Loch Hill wind farm appeal rejected

Developers wanted to build 11 turbines on the site in Dumfries and Galloway

A developer has lost an appeal against the refusal of a plan for a wind farm on land north east of St John's Town of Dalry in southern Scotland.

2020 Renewables wanted to build 11 turbines in the Loch Hill scheme.

Dumfries and Galloway Council planning officials had recommended approval, but it was rejected by councillors due to its "visual and cumulative impact on the surrounding area".

Now a Scottish government reporter has also turned down the plan.

The appeal argued that the scheme aimed to minimise environmental impact.

2020 Renewables said it could have brought "substantial economic benefits" to the region.

However, a reporter concluded that the "visual harm would be disproportionate to the renewable energy generation benefits".