Lomond Energy had its application for 10 wind turbines at Merkins Farm near Gartocharn knocked back by a three against two vote at West Dunbartonshire Council’s Planning Committee last week.

The controversial application saw six councillors out of a possible 10 turn out to vote and give their thoughts on the project — with one declaring a non-financial interest in the project and unable to vote.

The application attracted 116 representations from the community — 16 in support, 99 objections and one not expressing an opinion.

At last week’s meeting, an objection by the Air Traffic Commission was removed as it was agreed an amendment could be added in order for the application to meet regulations.

Now the Gartocharn-based family-run company is having to look at its next move and weigh up its options.

Steven Macken, of Lomond Energy, says the company is disappointed with the decision. He added: “In the face of strong local support, the council has turned its back on a once in a generation inward investment opportunity.

“I would like to thank the local residents and communities who have supported our project from the outset. We will now have to weigh up our options and consider our next move going forward.” Mr Macken said that during the 12-month construction phase, 30 jobs would have been created.

Once built he said the wind farm was expected to bring up to £200,000 annually to local communities, create three permanent jobs in its operation and support up to 1,000 pre-apprenticeship places at Clydebank College during its 25-year operational life.

In the report to the committee the refusal was based on the wind farm having a “significant adverse visual and landscape impact on the Kilpatrick Hills Regional Scenic Area/Local Landscape Area” and would have “a signficant adverse and visual impact on the setting of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Loch Lomond National Scenic Area”.

Councillor Denis Agnew, who proposed the refusal, was supported by councillors Gail Casey and Douglas McAllister, Provost for West Dunbartonshire.

Cllr Agnew said: “Looking at the bigger picture I have never heard anyone being a windmill hugger or rushing to see a windmill. We have to look at the bigger issue of how this project would affect Loch Lomond.

“I do think this would have an adverse affect on this area. It’s not just about a couple of people being affected by shadow or movement. It is against local plans and the advice of the Scottish Governement.” One of the main objectors to the project was Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park which believes that any negative impact on visitor expectations of a National Park may have posed risks to the local tourish economy.

Stuart Mearns, National Park Forward Planning manager said: “National Parks are designated as nationally important areas in terms of their natural and cultural heritage.

“The stunning scenery is one of the main reasons more than four million people enjoy Loch Lomond and The Trossachs every year bringing in an annual revenue of £206 million.

“In a recent visitor survey 40 per cent of responses indicated that the area’s National Park status was a significant factor on their decision to visit.

“Any negative impact on visitor expectations of a National Park may have posed risks to the local tourism economy which benefits many West Dunbartonshire residents and businesses.” Councillor Jonathan McColl, who put forward an amendment to approve the wind farm, says he is ‘absolutely devastated’ by the decision to refuse the plans.

He said: “I don’t think the visual impact is as significant as officers and others are making out. It is very difficult to see the turbines in some of the photo montages.” Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, convenor of the planning committee and who supported Cllr McColl’s amendment said afterwards he hopes that Lomond Energy comes back at a later stage with a proposal that won’t cause as much controversy and see how that goes.