A controversial Angus turbine development could be stopped in its tracks following a road ownership dispute.
Rossie School in Montrose, which has already objected to the plans, said it owns a road intended to be used for site access.
Martin Brown, estates manager at Rossie School, said it would not approve the use of the road for the purposes of the proposed development.
A string of objections was registered last year after an application from Green Cat Renewables for three turbines on farmland 984 yards to the west of Rossie School in Montrose.
The developer’s application for Tellus Energy Ltd on behalf of landowner John Stirling was finally withdrawn in December, however, the firm resubmitted new plans in January for two smaller turbines.
Mr Brown said Rossie Young People’s Trust had made inquiries regarding the access road following its initial objection which was lodged in February.
He said: “We are of the view that this access road, which is unadopted to the east of South Lodge, forms part of the lands owned by Rossie Young People’s Trust.
“Upon this basis, we would not approve the use of the road for the purpose of the proposed development.”
The school’s previous objection stated the proposed turbines would have an “entirely disproportionate impact on the landscape.”
Mr Brown said: “A number of public rights of way cross the appeal site and Rossie Moor, used by our young people for recreation, as well as by walkers, horse riders and cyclists.
“Many of these are also local residents and the presence of the turbines would compound any loss of amenity that they might experience from direct views from their houses.”
“Other recreational users come from further afield, including riders using nearby livery stables at Westerton of Rossie and surrounding yards.
“We do not agree that the new and upgraded access tracks required for this development would be of benefit to walkers or horse riders, compared to the present tracks.”
Mr Brown said the trust considers Rossie Moor to have a high landscape value because of its character and recreational potential.
“In general, we conclude that the proposed windfarm would have a detrimental impact on the recreational use of Rossie Moor and its adjoining paths.”
Mr Stirling has said he believes the plan is a better solution than nuclear power.
Rossie Moor is a site of special scientific interest, with extensive areas of lowland heath and valley fen, together with associated insects, such as water beetles.