MOD SAY WIND TURBINES COULD JEOPARDISE LOSSIEMOUTH RADAR SYSTEM.

Councillors have been asked to scrap plans to erect three wind turbines in the Highlands-because they could jeopardise the radar system at RAF Lossiemouth.

Developer Wind Harvest LTD would like permission to erect the wind turbines which would stand 240ft high at the hill of Lychrobbie, Dunbeath, Caithness .

On the whole the public support the wind turbines because two of the proposed turbines would be financed, constructed and operated on behalf of the Berriedale and Dunbeath community, with all profits paid to local interest groups.

The application for the turbines was first considered by councillors in April 2015 but was deferred because of concerns, one being an objection from the Ministry of Defence.

Military chiefs have said they oppose the Turbines because it would cause high levels of Interference to the Air Traffic Control Radar service at RAF Lossiemouth, despite them being 40 miles away over the Moray Firth.

The MoD have said it will not reconsider its objection to the turbines unless the applicant puts forward "radar mitigation solution", but this has not been forthcoming.

Highland councillors will consider the plans again at a meeting on Tuesday.

Officials have recommended that the councillors reject the application, saying: “In this instance the MoD objection to the planning application must be taken at face value, and whilst the applicant disagrees with the position set out by the MoD, its objection must still be treated as a serious and significant concern which remains unresolved.

“In particular it is noted that the MoD have stated that the development has been given the utmost scrutiny and that the objection has been thoroughly considered.

“As such it is evident that the air safety issues have not been resolved.

In the report it was added that the council was supportive of renewable energy schemes, but that it was regrettable that no alternative options have been examined or presented by applicants since this proposal was last considered.