Highland Council has given its blessing to EDPR plans for an 85-turbine wind farm in the Moray Firth off northern Scotland.
Members of the north planning committee ignored a recommendation from officials to object to the 750MW Moray West project on the grounds of visual impacts.
Councillors determined that potential economic benefits outweighed other concerns, particularly given weather conditions often obscures views from shore.
Scottish ministers have the final say on the Round 3 project.
EDPR is preparing to build on its proposed 950MW Moray East project in the same zone.
Construction of the Contracts for Difference winner is due to kick off as soon as next year.
SSE and partners are already building the 588MW Beatrice (pictured) in the Moray Firth, which included a significant component of UK content.
Source:renews
