IT looks like the end of the road for the proposal to create a wind farm in a forest in the heart of Angus.
It was revealed last week that a Scottish Government planning reporter had dismissed an appeal lodged over the planned wind farm scheme at Montreathmont, near Friockheim.
The decision follows an appeal held earlier this year after the company beh
ind the scheme appealled Angus Council's failure to determine the planning application within prescribed time limits.
The Montreathmont proposal involved the siting of eleven turbines - with a maximum blade height of 126 metres - on a site to the west of the Arbroath-Brechin Road.
Releasing his findings last week, Scottish Ministers' Reporter Michael Shiel said the renewable energy contribution the wind farm would make did not outweigh what would be "significant local impact".
Mr Shiel said the scheme would comply with many relevant Angus plans and policies, but overall was against the district's development plan.
He also highlighted the scale of the proposed turbines, saying they were simply "too large".
The decision has delighted the protest group, Friends of the Forest, who argue that a wind farm is the wrong development in a sensitive site in the heart of Angus.
Jim Hair, chairman of Friends of the Forest, said: "We are so pleased with this decision.
"It made no sense to put wind turbines in a low wind area - but there were so many other reasons why these turbines should never have been considered, not least their impact on the landscape, wildlife, ancient woodland, a much loved public amenity and neighbouring properties.
"This proposal brought uncertainty to many people living and working in the area and divided our community.
"It is sad that in order to protect our environment, such a great amount of time and money had to be wasted, not just by ourselves but also by Angus Council and many other agencies.
"This is the right decision. We just hope that at last we can all put this fiasco behind us and get on with our lives.
"On behalf of Friends of the Forest, I would like to thank all those who have supported us and worked tirelessly over the past years. Your help and encouragement have been greatly appreciated."
