The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals ruled that the scheme at Cairnoch, north of Carron Valley Reservoir, would result in "substantial, adverse and significant" landscape effects.
The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals ruled that the scheme at Cairnoch, north of Carron Valley Reservoir, would result in "substantial, adverse and significant" landscape effects.
Partnerships for Renewables has had plans for the 45MW Carron Valley wind farm in Stirling knocked back on appeal by the Scottish government.
The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals ruled that the scheme at Cairnoch, north of Carron Valley Reservoir, would result in "substantial, adverse and significant" landscape effects.
Proposals were for 15 turbines with tip heights of up to 126 metres on 340 hectares of land owned by Forestry Commission Scotland.
The project was the first of a pipeline in partnership with the forestry body to be put forward for determination and the developer lodged the appeal after planning permission was refused last year.
PfR said in a statement: "PfR is very disappointed at the decision of …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Partnerships for Renewables has had plans for the 45MW Carron Valley wind farm in Stirling knocked back on appeal by the Scottish government.
The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals ruled that the scheme at Cairnoch, north of Carron Valley Reservoir, would result in "substantial, adverse and significant" landscape effects.
Proposals were for 15 turbines with tip heights of up to 126 metres on 340 hectares of land owned by Forestry Commission Scotland.
The project was the first of a pipeline in partnership with the forestry body to be put forward for determination and the developer lodged the appeal after planning permission was refused last year.
PfR said in a statement: "PfR is very disappointed at the decision of the reporter to refuse planning permission. Our application was a high-quality proposal on a site that was judged to be appropriate for the size of development proposed, following a very rigorous planning and environmental assessment and a thorough and responsive public consultation process."
Among the points made by the reporter was that the "proposed turbines would not be in keeping with the scale of the landscape of Upper Carron". The "influence" of existing wind farms on the terrain was noted, with the turbines of wind projects in nearby Craigengelt Hill and Earlsburn visible from the area.
Recognising the area's popularity as a beauty spot and outdoor activities hub, the report added: "A sizeable proportion of visitors would prefer not to have the landscape's distinctive character eroded by the presence of the proposed turbines."