Wind Farms in Cowal

We have opened up discussion on wind farms in Cowal (see our Meeting Minutes) 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
Appendices
Environmental Statement - Non Technical Summary
Figures and Graphs Part 1
Figures and Graphs Part 2

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:

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)

Ardyne Point Proposal

The Community Council was advised by WSP Environmental Ltd (WSPE) that they have been appointed by Sir Robert McAlpine to undertake an initial Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Study of a proposed project to redevelop the former oil rig manufacturing yard at Ardyne Point. The proposals comprise a "mixed use development of residential, recreational and commercial properties and a marina".

South Cowal Community Council requested further information and a presentation was made by Turley Associates, planning and urban design consultants also appointed by Sir Robert McAlpine, during our meeting of 8 November 2006.

Turley Associates and WSPE returned to our 11 April 2007 meeting and - their presentation is here [PDF]. Send your thoughts and comments to ardynepoint@turleyassociates.co.uk.

The Ardyne Point Outline Plannng Application can be found as below (in PDF unless otherwise indicated). These documents are large - right click on the link and save to your PC (Broadband required):

Topographic Survey
Environmental Statement
Environmental Statement - Non Technical Summary
Flood Risk Assessment
Drainage Assessment
Transport Assessment
Neighbour Notification
Master Plan
Revised Phasing (Word document)

Dog Fouling

Notices to the following effect are being posted in the local area:

"Residents have contacted the Community Council to complain about dog fouling on the grass at Sandy Beach and in North Campbell Drive / Wyndham Road. Council have been told that environmental officers are aware of the problem but hope that it can be solved without prosecution.

Argyll and Bute Council officers may serve a fixed penalty notice for £40.00 or a fine of up to £1000.00 may be levied if the case goes to court.

Community council appeals to the very small minority causing the problem to desist before legal action."

A Pier for Innellan?

It has been suggested that an independent campaign should be launched to replace the pier at Innellan and to fill in an area of land on the seaward side of the Village Hall, Police Station and the site of the former garage. South Cowal needs a commercial centre. Innellan needs the equivalent of a town square. At one time this was provided by the pier, the Royal Hotel and the thriving shops and cafes in the vicinity.

Have a look at this example sketch of a potential pier for the village.

Since an article appeared on this subject in the Dunoon Observer, the Community Council has received several messages of support for and interest in the prospect of replacing the pier with a modern structure and associated pontoons. A sub-committee of the Community Council has been formed to investigate the possibility in more detail and, in particular, to investigate possible sources of finance.

Our Vision

Click here to read our Vision Statement (PDF document). We'd be interested in hearing your thoughts - please let us know.

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