Wind Farms in Cowal
Climate Change and the National Forest Estate
Wind Farms in Cowal
We have opened up discussion on wind farms in Cowal and are working to find out the facts and determine the community’s opinion on the subject.
A questionnaire survey was conducted in South Cowal, the results of which are here.
See also Submissions to Public Enquiries
Take our Online Survey!
We want to make sure that we carry out our responsibility of accurately reflecting the opinion of local residents, but we can’t do that unless residents let us know what they think - either in favour or against, we need to know! Please take a moment to fill out our online wind farm survey.
Presentation on Survey of Public Opinion (Aug/Sep 2007)
Corlarach Wind Farm Proposal:
Latest Update: Letter to Argyll and Bute Head of Planning, concerning Corlarach Wind Farm proposal (31 Oct 2008)
South Cowal Community Council supports the Corlarach Wind Farm planning application.
West Coast Energy are currently progressing a wind farm proposal for 14 turbines in Corlarach Forest. The Environmental Statement can be found as follows. These documents are large - right click on the link and save to your PC (Broadband required):
Environmental Statement - Non Technical Summary
Black Craig Planning Application
Latest: The revised planning application has been submitted and the main change comprises removing five of the turbines from the north east of the site and repositioning two of them to the south of the site. The number of turbines has been reduced from 19 to 16. The size of the turbines are marginally reduced.
NB. Previous submissions regarding this scheme will not be considered by the planners in relation to this new application. Submissions should be made to:
ref 07/01765/DET
Ms Arlene Henderson, Planning Services, Argyll & Bute Council, Milton House Dunoon PA23 7DU
Land Use Consultants, representing Argyll Wind Farms Ltd, responded directly to the questions that were raised at the meeting held on 15 June 2006 during Argyll Wind Farms Ltd’s presentation on the Black Craig proposal. See here.
Current plans for wind farms either in Cowal or within view of Cowal include:
Update: Jan 2009:
The scheme formerly called ‘Bishop’s Seat’ or ‘Eilligan’ has been reduced to 8 turbines (each 100m high) on Strone Saul hill, about 1 mile NW of Sandbank. It would be visible from the Kilmun area and the ferries, esp approaching Hunter’s Quay.
The status of the schemes for the east side of the Firth is now different, as follows:
- Corlick Hill (above Greenock) has been refused
- Two are now proposed above Largs - Kelburn & Kaim Hill. Kelburn is at appeal.
- Inverkip appears ‘dormant’ at present
On the Cowal Peninsula:
• Black Craig, South Cowal - 19 turbines
• Corlarach Hill, South Cowal (Phase 1) - 14 turbines
• Corlarach Hill, South Cowal (Phase 2) - TBA
• Bishops Seat - 16 turbines
On the Inverclyde/North Ayrshire coast:
• Leapmoor Forest, Inverkip - 10 turbines
• Corlich Hill, Greenock - 23 turbines
• Waterhead Moor - 44 turbines
• Kelburn, nr Largs - 19 turbines
• Wardlaw Moor/ Miller Hill - 10+ turbines
Subsequent to a survey conducted by South Cowal Community Council amongst a representative sample of South Cowal residents, we have determined that the results reflect a significant level of opposition to the Leapmoor, Inverkip plan. In representation thereof, we have lodged an objection with Inverclyde Council.
Here are some other useful links:
CARES - Cowal and Renewable Energy Sense
“Battle
of the Blades” - Article from the Herald, 24 November 2006
Video on Wind Farm Proposal in South Cambridgeshire - Noise Issue (mpeg)
CARES presentation on Industrial Wind Turbine Installations (pps)
Noise and Wind Turbines (New Zealand study)
Yes2Wind (Greenpeace, WWF, Friends of the Earth)
ArgyllWindFarms.com (lobby group)