Councillors maintain objection to Skye wind farm

Highland councillors have agreed to maintain their opposition to a planned modernisation of a wind farm on Skye.

Developer Renantis has proposed removing 12 turbines at Ben Aketil Wind Farm and replacing them with nine new ones. It also intends to build a battery storage scheme.

The new turbines could have a maximum blade tip height of 200m (656ft) - twice the height of the existing machines.

Highland Council had previously objected to the project and in a new report planning officers said "re-powering" the 18-year-old wind farm, near Dunvegan, would have adverse environmental and visual impacts.

Renantis said it was disappointed councillors had upheld their previous objection.

It has offered an alternative plan for slightly smaller turbines, 180m (591ft), according to a report due the council's north planning applications committee.

Council officials recommended the committee raise an objection.

They said the development could spoil views along an area of "dynamic coastline" in north west Skye.

The officers also raised concerns about a "detrimental impact" on the setting of historic Dunvegan Castle's gardens.

Highland Council previously opposed the plans in 2024 when it was consulted by the Scottish government.

The proposals are due to be considered by a public local inquiry later this year.

Daniel Letch, UK senior development manager at Renantis, said: "We are disappointed that the council has chosen to uphold their previous objection on the grounds of visual impact, but we look forward to the public local inquiry and its outcome later this year."