A series of objections from official bodies and local residents has forced insurance giant Aviva to rethink plans for a new wind turbine at its Perth HQ.
Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland were among the critics of the 77-metre tall tower.
The turbine — measuring the height of 18 double decker buses — was to have been built next to Aviva’s base at Cherrybank, between Craigie Hill Golf Club and the M90.
Bosses said it could have generated enough electricity to supply the category A-listed building with half its annual power demands.
However, planners refused the application, pointing to its harmful impact on the landscape, the prospect of noise pollution and the effect on the lives of people in neighbouring residential areas.
In its environmental report, Scottish Natural Heritage told Perth and Kinross Council the turbine would “likely be the most visible tall structure in the city area” if it went ahead.
The local authority’ own environmental health team flagged up concerns over noise pollution and shadow flicker.
Historic Environment Scotland encouraged the council to reject the blueprints, saying: “The key issue, in our view, is the impact that the proposed turbine would have on the experience and appreciation of the building from within the site.”
Five local residents also raised concerns about the scheme after the plans were submitted last September.
An environmental impact assessment carried out by Perth and Kinross Council highlighted the turbine’s prominent location and the likely significant impact on the landscape and green belt.
“The Aviva insurance building is category A-listed which makes it of national significance,” the report said.
“The impact of a vertical structure measuring 77 metres located in close proximity to this is likely to have a significant impact on the setting of the building. A tall, thin structure is likely to be difficult to integrate into such a setting.”
The latest turbine application is the third of its kind from Aviva to be rejected.
A spokesperson from the company said: “Aviva takes climate change very seriously and we want to do all we can to try and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
“The wind turbine would have generated over 50% of our annual electricity use, going a long way to make our Perth site fully powered by locally generated renewable energy.
“We are therefore disappointed by this decision and are currently considering our next steps.”
