Campaigners hope a warning that an appeal could be lodged against an Angus turbine refusal is hot air.
Tellus Energy has not ruled out fighting Angus Council’s decision to refuse a controversial turbine application.
The latest application the third since 2007 was for two turbines at Rossie Moor, near Montrose, and prompted a string of objections.
It was lodged by Green Cat Renewables for Tellus Energy Ltd on behalf of landowner John Stirling in January after a similar application was withdrawn last year.
Cliff Lewin, of Tellus Energy, said it was “extremely disappointed” but would have to review the reasons for refusal before deciding whether or not to appeal.
Virginia Fraser of STORM (Stop Turbines On Rossie Moor) said: “Tellus claim that they had an indication from the council that ‘the smaller scheme would address their concerns’.
“That it was ‘likely to receive a positive recommendation’ sounds like wishful thinking. I believe the council, to its credit, has listened to the community and also to the mounting tide of opposition to wind turbines throughout Scotland.
“It has made the right decision and I hope that the applicants can accept it with good grace, and that they will now finally give up.”
STORM successfully fought against plans for three 345ft turbines when a previous application was lodged in 2007.
A string of objections was also registered last year after an application from Green Cat Renewables for three turbines on farmland 984 yards to the west of Rossie School, near Montrose.
The developer’s application was finally withdrawn in December but the firm resubmitted plans in January for two smaller turbines.
The latest application was refused by Angus Council despite a plea from Mr Stirling that the application was a better solution than nuclear power. Because it did not come before councillors, the exact reasons for refusal are not yet known.