The passionate advocacy of wind and solar power cannot change the fact that they are in their infancy and incapable of providing most of our power needs. Neither can the environmental activist's vision of a world in which all live simpler lives without the need for so much power be anything but a fantasy which no developing nation would ever take seriously. The reality is that without our being allowed to discuss all power generation options, the eco-activist's dystopian vision of New Zealand risks coming true.

Is it right that a small number of people should make substantial financial gain from development that impacts so greatly on their neighbours and the surrounding landscape? Is it right that the Council should permit it? I think not, but your readers should judge for themselves as it is very likely that this type of development will be before the planning department very soon again.

In Provence's Valee des Baux, where we live when not at home in Moray, wind farms are forbidden. Being France's most popular southern tourist destination, there is a consensus in Les Baux that any development likely to jeopardise the area's outstanding beauty must be banned. Similarly, Moray's future as a truly unique tourist destination in Scotland, and ultimately in Europe, will depend on how well it protects its own unique landscape.

In Ireland we too have wind farms, but they are always located away from local habitations. Wales should follow Ireland's lead and not let big business bully small communities into accepting eyesores that are far worse than the slag heaps that dotted the upper Afan valley up to the late '60s.