Highland Council has refused RES plans for 13 turbines at Culachy at the southern end of Loch Ness in the far north of Scotland.
Members of the south planning applications committee voted 5-2 on Monday, against the advice of officials, largely on the grounds of visual and cultural impacts.
Specific concerns included views along the route of the popular Corrieyairack Pass.
Scottish Natural Heritage did not object to the wind farm, despite its location within an identified core area of wild land.
Councillors also voted to postpone a decision on Infinergy’s 38MW Tom nan Clach wind farm in order to hold a site visit.
Planners had recommended approval of a 13-turbine design.
Image: RES is active in the north of Scotland (reNEWS)
