Concerns persist over Cowal wind farm plans after public meeting in Gourock 

Campaigners opposing plans for a wind farm in Cowal which would be visible from much of the Inverclyde coast say they remain concerned about the proposal – despite the developer agreeing to reduce the number of turbines planned for the site.

The Save Cowal’s Hills group (SCH) says the visual impact of wind turbines such as those proposed for the Giant’s Burn site above Dunoon are ‘serious, widespread and unprecedented’.

The group is leading opposition to the Giant’s Burn proposals, put forward by developers Statkraft.

The Giant’s Burn plans were the focus of a single-issue meeting of Gourock Community Council (GCC) last week, with members of the group expected to come to a final decision on whether to support or oppose the plans at a further meeting on Monday night.

Both Statkraft and SCH have published visualisations showing how the turbines could look from different locations in Inverclyde if the plans in their current form get the backing of the Scottish Government.

Statkraft has also held a series of public consultation meetings on its proposals – but has not yet held any such events in Inverclyde.

Statkraft’s original proposals were for a development of nine turbines, but that total has since been reduced to seven.

However, SCH say they remain concerned about the maximum height of the proposed turbines – six of which, under Statkraft’s plans, would be 200 metres tall to the tip of the blade, with the seventh reaching a height of 180m.

A spokesperson for SCH said: “Many suggest that other renewables such as hydro, tidal and solar should be prioritised ahead of wind.

“Wind power is the only renewable bringing industrialisation over wide areas, with its machinery, like nothing else, conspicuously located on hilltops, causing serious, widespread, and unprecedented visual impact.

“Scotland’s reputation for special and often historic landscapes is at high risk of being ruined.”

As well as the Giant’s Burn proposals, SCH has raised concerns about plans for another wind farm development, featuring 13 turbines, at Inverchaolain, close to the Giant’s Burn site.

A GCC spokesperson told the Tele: “After listening to the discussion, it was agreed that Gourock Community Council would consider whether to take a view on the wind farm and to bring that proposed decision to our next meeting on Monday May 19.

“We will also discuss how to appropriately communicate any opinion.

“Whilst the most direct concern being raised would seem to be the impact of the wind farm on Gourock’s iconic view of the Cowal hills, there was a feeling that we are free to consider how to show any support for our friends across the water on wider issues relating to the protection of the natural and beautiful landscapes and our communities.”

GCC’s spokesperson said Statkraft was invited to attend last week’s single-issue meeting, but declined to attend in person, though the company said it was happy to answer questions posed during the meeting.

The Statkraft proposals are currently in a ‘pre-application consultation’ phase, but according to the company’s website, it plans to submit a formal planning application to the Scottish Government’s energy consents unit early this summer.

Statkraft have been approached for comment.