New turbines could be added to cluster of Caithness wind farms near A9
Two new turbines could be added to a large cluster in Caithness if plans for a wind farm extension are granted.
Whirlwind Renewables is hoping to add the taller turbines as part of the Causeymire cluster south of Spittal.
The turbines are proposed for the wind farm at Achlachan near Mybster, which already has five turbines and sits close to several other farms alongside the A9 as part of the Causeymire cluster.
The proposed wind turbines are set to be 149.9m tall compared to the 100m and 115m turbines that are in the existing cluster.
If approved, they will be in operation for a period of 40 years and produce enough electricity to power 10,300 homes per year, according to the developers.
The proposal received 14 objections and 12 in support after it was advertised in the John O'Groat Journal in May.
The main concerns were the visual and landscape disruptions that would come from having taller turbines, the fact that it offered no community benefit and its close proximity to houses would decrease the value of properties in the area.
The national energy statistics also suggest that there is no need for any more turbines as the existing planned capacity already exceeds the demand.
Those in support stated that as there were only two more turbines being added it would have little impact on the visual landscape and the infrastructure is already in place, therefore it would be simple to install.
The new turbines would be built 2.5km south of the village of Spittal and 6.5km from Halkirk.
Highland Council have been asked to agree to grant the proposal in a meeting with the North Planning Application Committee on Wednesday.
If approved the construction of the so-called Achlachan Redesign would take approximately nine months.