PLANNING chiefs knocked a windfarm application for Straiton.

But the WillowWind Linfairn Ltd development could still go ahead if the Scottish Government approve it.

Seventeen turbines are planned for the site on farmland to the south of Straiton.

Each of the turbines will sit over 415ft in height and would be seen from Maybole and Crosshill.

South Ayrshire Council's Strategic Planner John Esslemont insisted the windfarm would have an adverse impact on the Girvan Valley.

He added: "The impact would be substantial."

Mr Esslemont revealed that there are 177 windfarm proposals within 60km of the Straiton proposal.

Maybole, North Carrick and Coylton councillor Ann Galbraith said: "It's a tourism area, we've got to get to a stage where enough is enough.

"This is not the right place for a windfarm."

Councillor William Grant said that the plan would have a "massive impact" on Maybole and Crosshill.

And Councillor Ian Douglas added: "The south-west of Scotland already has its fair share, if not more than its fair share of wind turbines and while I fully support the council having a green energy policy I think we should be looking to tidal rather than wind."

Councillors also raised concerns about shadow flicker and noise from the turbines.

Planning chairman Peter Convery said: "I have a degree of sympathy with the applicant but really I think it's just a bridge - or a turbine - too far."

The board voted unanimously to object to the proposals.

Meanwhile plans to erect a 154ft turbine at Balsalloch Farm, near Ballantrae Main Street were blown away.

But the joint proposal from Eco Projects IoM Ltd and C/o Fouin and Bell Energy was given short shrift by councillors.

Councillor Ann Galbraith said: "What stands out to me is that this is an unspoilt area of our Ayrshire landscape.

"One turbine is all it takes to ruin our unspoilt landscape."

And William Grant added: "I think the people down there have had a very rough time of it."

Again councillors voted unanimously to object.

But a statement from WilloWind said: “We are disappointed that the South Ayrshire Council Regulatory Panel voted last week to raise an objection to our proposal.

"We believe that by taking this decision without the benefit of SNH’s response, the Panel has taken a view without full access to all the necessary information.

"However, we respect their decision and now move on to the next stage of the determination process."