The 15-turbine project in the hills above Loch Awe would have been one of the largest in Argyll, generating enough electricity to power 40% of the local homes.

However, councillors on Argyll and Bute Council's planning committee unanimously refused the project permission yesterday, in line with recommendations from their officials.

The developer has three months to lodge an appeal.

An RWE Innogy spokeswoman tells Recharge: “We are obviously disappointed by the decision.