The Formartine Area committee has approved plans for the development Kirktown of Auchterless, near Turriff.

A total of 20 people wrote to the committee objecting to the proposal for the three 80 metre-high structures.

The complaints included the impact the turbines would have on bird life and ecology, and noise issues.

Wayne Riddell, one of the objectors, said they would have a devastating effect on nearby wild geese.

He said: "It is proposed to erect giant windmills in the birds' flight path so they will be bashed to bits.

"I strongly oppose the ad-hoc proliferation of these huge eyesores which are blighting Scotland's beautiful landscape for very little benefit."

But the committee has authorised officers to give the go ahead to the turbines, which will feed into the national grid, subject to 23 conditions.

One of the turbines was going to be rejected because it was too close to homes.

At times, homes within 620 metres will be able to see a shadow cast by the wind turbine as it moves, and one of the three proposed turbines was within 550 metres of houses.

The company installing the turbines, Green Cat Renewables, has been asked to investigate ways of reducing this "shadow flicker" - although it will only be for an estimated 3.2 hours per year.

The wind turbines have an estimated lifetime of 20 years, although it is possible the site will be used as a wind energy facility for longer.

Chairman John Loveday said: "There was some suggestion one of the turbines should be moved because it was too close to houses.

"But in the end the committee decided on balance to vote for all three.

"I know there is often an argument to put all these things on top of a hill somewhere far away, but that is not really possible around this area."