Carsphairn wind turbine proposal rejected

Councillors have rejected plans for a wind farm which the Mountaineering Council of Scotland said would form a "ring of steel" around a Galloway hill.

They deferred a decision last month on Burcote Wind's 10-turbine Longburn project near Carsphairn.

The company had said the scheme would put about £2.5m into a community benefit fund over its operational life.

However, planning officials had advised refusal due to the cumulative impact in the area.

Dumfries and Galloway Council had been scheduled to deliver a decision on the proposals last month but that was put on hold for a site visit.

Its planning committee has now decided to refuse the scheme.

The MCS had raised concerns about the wind farm due to its impact on Cairnsmore of Carsphairn.

It had said the project would "close the circle" of turbines around the peak.

Burcote Wind voiced disappointment at that objection, particularly since the group had not objected to previous plans for 20 turbines on the same site.

It said it had worked closely with the community to ensure the project was "as well designed and well suited to the site as possible".