Have a question? Hopefully the answer is below:
Why ObjectNow?
ObjectNow is more than just an objection generator — it’s a trusted, AI-powered platform built specifically to empower communities, individuals, and grassroots groups to take effective action against large-scale developments such as wind farms, solar parks, pylons, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
We are officially recognised by the Energy Consents Unit in Scotland and accepted by local councils and regulatory bodies across the United Kingdom as a valid and compliant method of submitting planning objections. Importantly, we operate under strict guidelines to ensure that every objection submitted through ObjectNow is treated as an individual submission, not a joint or template-based one. This maximises the impact of each objection and ensures that your voice is counted separately in the planning process.
What truly sets ObjectNow apart is our combination of legal and technical expertise. Our system is powered by advanced large language models (LLMs) trained on UK, Scottish, and Welsh planning laws, policy frameworks, and environmental regulations. This enables us to generate detailed, policy-relevant, and professionally structured objections that go well beyond simple checkboxes or generic templates.
We are also committed to privacy, trust, and data protection. All personal data is securely processed in full compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your information is never shared or used for any other purpose without your explicit consent.
With transparent pricing, flexible support, and a proven track record of helping campaigners increase objection numbers and influence outcomes, Object.Now is the smart, trusted choice for anyone seeking to challenge inappropriate developments in their community — effectively, affordably, and professionally.
Can I trust ObjectNow?
Yes — ObjectNow is officially recognised by the Energy Consents Unit in Scotland and accepted by councils and regulatory bodies across the UK as a valid and compliant method for submitting planning objections. We operate under strict guidelines to ensure every objection is treated as an individual submission—not a joint one—maximising its visibility and impact with decision-makers.
Developed by experienced campaigners, developers, and legal researchers, ObjectNow combines expert knowledge with advanced AI to generate accurate, well-structured objections grounded in UK, Scottish, and Welsh planning law. We also take your privacy seriously: all personal data is processed securely and in full compliance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your information is never shared without consent and is used solely to support your objection.
With transparent pricing, trusted compliance, and a proven track record of success, ObjectNow is the reliable choice for individuals and grassroots groups campaigning to protect their local environment.
What Makes ObjectNow Different from Templates and Petitions?
Unlike petitions and template letters: which are often treated as joint objections and counted as a single submission.
ObjectNow generates a unique, individual objection letter for each person. This means every objection is considered separately by planning authorities and decision-makers, significantly increasing the overall impact.
Our system doesn’t rely on copy-and-paste responses. Instead, it uses advanced AI to tailor each objection based on the user’s selected concerns, location, and personal comments — ensuring it aligns with the relevant planning policies and regulations.
In short, ObjectNow gives you the personalisation of a professional submission, the convenience of automation, and the credibility of a valid individual objection — something petitions and templates simply can’t offer.
Isn’t This the Same as Other Systems That Let You Select Objection Options?
At first glance, it might seem similar — but ObjectNow goes significantly further.
While some systems offer basic checkbox options to generate standardised letters, ObjectNow uses advanced AI to produce fully customised, high-quality objection letters that are structured around UK, Scottish, and Welsh planning laws.
Each letter is tailored not just by your selections, but also by your location, personal comments, and the specific development you’re opposing.
Importantly, every objection is treated as a unique, individual submission, not a form letter or joint objection — ensuring it carries full weight with councils, regulatory bodies, and decision-makers.
In short, ObjectNow delivers the depth, legal accuracy, and personalisation that template-based systems can’t match.
Do I need to be part of a campaign group to use ObjectNow?
No — you don’t need to be part of any formal group to use ObjectNow. Our platform is designed to support everyone, from individual residents objecting to a development near their home to large, coordinated grassroots movements opposing region-wide infrastructure projects.
Whether you’re a solo objector or helping coordinate hundreds, ObjectNow gives you the same access to powerful AI tools, policy-aligned objection templates, and expert guidance. Solo objectors often find the system particularly helpful because it removes the need to interpret complex planning documents and policies — allowing anyone, regardless of experience, to submit a professional, valid objection in minutes.
In short, ObjectNow is for everyone who wants to take a stand — whether you’re one voice or many.
Are all objections the same or copied?
No — every objection generated by ObjectNow is unique and treated as an individual submission by planning authorities.
Our system works from what we call a foundation letter—a detailed, factual objection typically provided by the campaign group or solo campaigner. If one isn’t available, our team can help create it for you. This foundation letter forms the factual and policy-based core of your campaign and serves as the reference point from which all other objection letters are generated.
While the core facts and policy arguments remain consistent to ensure accuracy and impact, our advanced AI rewrites each objection with unique wording, phrasing, and structure. This prevents objections from being dismissed as duplicates or template letters and ensures that every submission is counted as a separate, valid objection.
In essence, ObjectNow delivers the power of mass objection without sacrificing the individuality and credibility of each voice.
Can ObjectNow help with multiple development sites?
Yes — ObjectNow is fully equipped to support objections across multiple development sites, whether they are part of the same overarching project or entirely separate applications within a region.
Many campaign groups today are facing not just a single proposal, but a wave of overlapping developments (such as wind farms, pylons, BESS, and solar parks) all submitted within short timeframes.
Our system is designed to help you manage and respond to each application individually, while maintaining consistency in strategy and messaging across the board.
We can create a coordinated setup that allows supporters to submit objections to all relevant applications, with tailored content for each site based on its unique planning documents, risks, and policy context.
For campaigners handling multiple live developments, we also offer discounted pricing to make multi-site objection efforts more affordable. We understand the burden of trying to fight numerous proposals at once, and we’re committed to making sure cost isn’t a barrier to effective opposition.
Whether you’re objecting to two developments or ten, ObjectNow scales with your campaign, helping you stay organised, accurate, and impactful every step of the way.
Is my data secure when using ObjectNow?
Yes — your data security and privacy are a top priority at ObjectNow. All personal information submitted through our platform is handled in full compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
When you or your supporters use ObjectNow to generate an objection, the data you provide (such as name, email address, postcode, and personal comments) is stored securely and used solely for the purpose of generating and submitting planning objections. We do not sell, share, or pass on any personal data to third parties under any circumstances without your explicit, informed consent.
Our servers and internal systems are protected using industry-standard encryption and security protocols, and we regularly review our data handling procedures to ensure ongoing compliance and safety. Only authorised personnel involved in managing your campaign have access to your data, and even then, only where necessary.
In short, you can trust ObjectNow to handle your information responsibly, securely, and ethically — so you can focus on your campaign with confidence.
How much does ObjectNow cost?
ObjectNow operates on a fair, transparent, and community-focused pricing model. We offer a range of affordable packages tailored to meet the needs of solo campaigners, small community groups, and larger grassroots organisations. Pricing is always clear, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.
However, we understand that not every campaign has the resources to fund a full-scale objection platform — and that should never be a barrier to making your voice heard.
If you’re a solo campaigner or a group struggling to raise funds, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. We’re here to help, not profit, and we regularly offer discounted or subsidised support in exceptional circumstances. Tell us what your budget allows, and we’ll do everything we can to work within it.
Our goal is to make high-quality, legally grounded objections accessible to everyone (regardless of financial situation) because standing up for your community shouldn’t depend on your bank balance.
So if you’re passionate about stopping a harmful development but concerned about cost, please get in touch. We’ll do our very best to support your campaign.
How long does it take to setup my objection campaign?
For solo campaigners or groups looking to set up a new campaign platform, the timeline depends on several key factors, most importantly: the availability of objection material and the speed of communication.
If a clear and complete foundation objection letter and supporting documentation are already available, we can often have the campaign site live and operational on the same day. Our system is designed to quickly incorporate your material, break it into structured sections, and start generating personalised objections almost immediately.
On the other hand, if:
The objection content is still being written
Policy research or EIA analysis is required
You are seeking assistance from us to draft the foundation letter
Or if there are delays in communication (e.g. waiting for approvals, responses, or clarifications)
Then these factors can naturally extend the setup time. We rely on efficient collaboration with campaign organisers to move quickly, so delays in providing materials or feedback can impact our ability to launch promptly.
That said, we always strive to launch new campaigns within 3 working days from initial contact. This is our typical turnaround time when the necessary information is provided promptly, and communication is smooth.
Our priority is always to ensure your campaign is launched correctly, securely, and with a strong foundation — so while we move as quickly as possible, we won’t compromise on quality or accuracy just to meet an arbitrary deadline.
If you’re ready to start, we recommend getting in touch early and sharing as much material as you can upfront. We’ll take care of the rest.
Who is behind ObjectNow, and why is your team’s identity not public?
ObjectNow is a Scotland-based platform developed by a team of experienced I.T. professionals, software developers, and long-standing campaigners with a shared commitment to environmental protection, public participation, and planning transparency.
While we are proud of the work we do, we have chosen to keep our personal identities and team details private by design. This is not out of secrecy, but out of practical necessity. The nature of the developments we help object to (often large-scale, high-value infrastructure projects) can make individuals involved in opposing them targets for pressure, harassment, or unwanted attention.
By keeping our team’s personal information confidential, we protect not only ourselves but the stability and neutrality of the ObjectNow platform. This allows us to continue operating free from influence, distraction, or disruption.
What matters most is not who we are — but what we deliver: a trusted, transparent, and secure tool that empowers individuals and communities to submit valid, policy-driven objections to planning authorities. Our results speak for themselves, and our users trust us because of our professionalism, reliability, and unwavering support for grassroots voices.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with us directly, we’re always happy to connect through our official communication channels.
Is ObjectNow against renewable energy?
No.
ObjectNow fully supports a responsible and sustainable transition to renewable energy. Our concern lies not with renewable energy itself, but with how certain developments are being planned, approved, and imposed — often without proper scrutiny, local consent, or environmental safeguards. We stand against poorly-sited, large-scale energy infrastructure that threatens communities, ecosystems, and democratic rights.
Our goal is to empower the public with accurate information, transparency, and a voice in the planning process.
I submitted an objection through a website powered by ObjectNow, but I can't see it on the ECU or Council portal — why not?
Don’t worry — your objection has been submitted.
At ObjectNow, we carefully track and log all objections sent through our system to ensure they are delivered correctly to the relevant authority.
However, many planning authorities (including the Energy Consents Unit and local councils) manually process each objection before publishing it online. This often involves verifying the submission, redacting personal information such as your email address, and confirming its legitimacy. As a result, there can be a delay before your objection appears publicly on the portal.
We understand this can be frustrating and may make it seem like your objection hasn’t been counted, but we want to reassure you that it has. Where necessary, we can provide evidence confirming the number and content of objections submitted through our systems.
Your voice matters — and it has been heard, even if it’s not visible right away.
Can ObjectNow be used for developments other than energy applications?
Yes — while ObjectNow currently focuses on large-scale energy developments such as wind farms, solar parks, pylons, and BESS facilities, the platform is highly adaptable and can be applied to a wide range of planning-related objections.
Our AI is built to analyse complex planning documents, interpret policy frameworks, and generate structured, legally grounded responses. This makes it suitable for objecting to other types of developments, including:
Major housing schemes
Industrial sites
Infrastructure projects (e.g. roads, quarries, landfill, ports)
Environmentally sensitive land-use proposals
Peatland disturbance, forestry removal, and land rezoning
While our core user base has emerged from the energy sector due to the volume and urgency of such applications, we have already begun exploring and supporting broader campaigns in other areas of planning and environmental concern.
If you are involved in a campaign unrelated to energy but still need structured, policy-driven objections, please get in touch. We’ll assess whether your project is a good fit for the platform and explore how ObjectNow can support your goals.
Our system is built to grow— and we’re committed to helping communities wherever the planning system needs challenging.
Questions on energy:
Why are people concerned about Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Runaway Fires?
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), especially large lithium-ion installations, carry a well-documented risk of thermal runaway — a chain reaction that can lead to uncontrollable fires, toxic gas release, and even explosions. These incidents can be extremely difficult to extinguish using conventional firefighting methods and may burn for hours or even days.
Thermal runaway can be triggered by internal faults, overheating, mechanical damage, or electrical surges. Once started, it can rapidly spread to other battery cells, causing a full-system fire. Some BESS fires have also released hazardous substances such as hydrogen fluoride and other noxious compounds.
While industry safety standards are evolving, many proposed sites are near homes, schools, water supplies, or sensitive habitats — raising serious concerns about public health, emergency response capacity, and environmental risk.
At ObjectNow, we believe these risks must be fully assessed and transparently addressed before any BESS development is approved.
Why do wind farms get paid even when they’re not producing electricity?
This is a great question, and one we ourselves find hard to answer, our believe is that it should stop.
To answer your question though, this happens because of a system called constraint payments. In simple terms, wind farms are sometimes asked to stop generating electricity when the grid is unable to absorb more power — usually due to a lack of local demand, limited grid capacity, or transmission bottlenecks.
When this happens, the wind farm operators are compensated with public money for the electricity they would have generated.
These payments can amount to hundreds of millions of pounds each year, even though no energy is actually supplied to homes or businesses.
At ObjectNow, we believe the public should be fully informed about how the energy system works (including the costs of these payments) and whether current infrastructure planning is really delivering value, reliability, or environmental benefit.
What are community benefit payments, and why are they controversial?
Community benefit payments are voluntary financial contributions made by developers of energy projects (such as wind farms or pylons) to local communities.
These funds are often promoted as compensation for hosting large infrastructure and are typically used for local projects or grants.
However, they are not legally binding, do not form part of the formal planning decision, and have no bearing on whether an application is approved or rejected.
Many people, including ObjectNow view these payments as controversial because:
They can be seen as an attempt to buy community acceptance.
The amounts offered are often small compared to the long-term impacts on health, landscape, and property.
In some cases, only select groups benefit, leading to division within communities.
At ObjectNow, we believe local people should be fully informed of their rights and the true long-term consequences of developments — not swayed by short-term financial offers.
Communities deserve a real say, not just a token payment.
Why is there such an influx in wind farm applications right now?
The recent surge in wind farm applications across is driven by a combination of government subsidies, policy incentives, and a loophole – laden planning system that favours rapid approval of large-scale energy developments.
Key factors include:
Subsidy schemes like Contracts for Difference (CfD) and grid-related payments (including constraint payments), which make wind farms financially attractive — even in areas where the grid can’t handle the power.
National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), which strongly presumes in favour of renewables, often overriding local concerns.
Speculative development, where companies race to secure land and planning permission in anticipation of future profits, regardless of local suitability or demand.
At ObjectNow, we believe communities should not be overwhelmed by poorly located or excessive developments simply to meet national targets or corporate interests.
A just transition to renewables must be transparent, locally accountable, and environmentally responsible.
What is NPF4 and how does it affect energy planning?
NPF4 (National Planning Framework 4) is the Scottish Government’s top-level planning policy, which now gives significant weight to renewable energy developments, sometimes overriding local development plans or public objections. This policy shift is a key reason why so many applications are being fast-tracked despite strong community resistance.
Are all these developments really needed to meet energy demand?
Not necessarily.
Many proposed developments are speculative or intended to benefit from subsidies, rather than meeting actual energy needs.
Meanwhile, issues like grid congestion, inefficient siting, and lack of storage remain unresolved.
We believe smarter planning “not just more development” is essential.
Is solar, wind, and battery storage (BESS) really the way forward?
Not in the way it’s currently being pursued. While solar, wind, and BESS are often promoted as essential for a greener future, the real-world rollout is increasingly misaligned with actual energy needs and public interest.
Key issues include:
Overdevelopment in unsuitable areas: Many projects are being forced into rural or scenic locations that do not need the energy and lack appropriate infrastructure.
Mismatch between generation and demand: Power is often produced far from where it’s needed, overloading the grid and triggering costly constraint payments — public money spent to not generate electricity.
Storage doesn’t solve everything: While BESS is pitched as the solution to intermittent renewables, it brings its own serious risks (such as fire, toxic gas release, and water contamination) and is still limited in scale and reliability.
Profit before public benefit: Many developments are driven by subsidies, not local energy needs. Developers can profit handsomely even if the community sees no real benefit — or worse, is left with long-term environmental or safety burdens.
At ObjectNow, we argue that the current system is not about a clean, fair energy future — it’s about unchecked expansion, corporate profit, and tick-box planning that too often ignores what communities really need.
Is it true that more wind farms mean more use of diesel generators?
Yes — in some situations, the expansion of wind power has actually increased the need for diesel generators or other forms of backup generation.
Here’s why:
Wind is intermittent: When the wind doesn’t blow (or blows too hard), turbines can’t generate power. To maintain a stable electricity supply, backup generators “often diesel or gas-fired” must kick in to fill the gap.
Grid instability: High volumes of wind energy can cause frequency fluctuations or voltage instability on the grid, especially in rural or weak-grid areas. In response, operators sometimes install diesel gensets as a quick-response stabilisation measure.
Local demand vs supply: In areas where wind farms feed into the grid but local infrastructure is weak, diesel generators may be used to power local needs when the wind resource is low or constrained.
Battery storage is not yet enough: While batteries are being promoted as the future solution, most installations can only cover short durations (typically a few hours), leaving a gap during prolonged lulls in wind.
So ironically, even as more wind farms are built in the name of reducing fossil fuels, dirty backup generators “including diesel” are sometimes used more frequently to keep the system running.
This undermines claims of carbon neutrality and highlights the need for a smarter, better-planned energy system.