23 April 2012 Last updated at 04:52 ET

Creetown wind mast bid objections rack up

The monitoring mast would check for the viability of the site for wind turbines

More than 50 objections have been lodged against a proposal to build a wind-monitoring mast near Creetown.

However, planning officials are recommending the 90m-high structure gets the go ahead.

Developers Vattenfall Wind Power plan to build the mast on grazing ground at Blackmyre Moor - a site within the Galloway Hills Regional Scenic Area.

The aim is to collect information over a three-year period on the viability of the site for wind turbines.

The Ministry of Defence wants the mast fitted with aviation warning lights and it is acknowledged they may have further concerns should the site be used for a wind farm, but otherwise there have been no objections from bodies such as Scottish Natural Heritage.

A report to councillors said the mast would be a lightweight, slim, temporary structure which would be "neither prominent nor distracting".

However, there have been 56 objections from the public on the grounds of visual impact, the effect on wildlife - such as peregrine falcons and migrating geese - and concerns about light pollution in relation to the Galloway Dark Skies Park.

However, Dumfries and Galloway Council officials are recommending the application be approved subject to strict conditions, including the fitting of aviation lights and "bird-flight diverters".