Giant’s Burn Wind Farm | A GIANT Disaster: It’s time to SAVE Cowal’s Hills for Good

• 24 July 2025
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Statkraft UK Ltd has formally submitted a Section 36 application to the Scottish Government for its proposed Giant’s Burn Wind Farm (ECU00005007), a major industrial-scale energy development located on and around Cowal’s Hill, in the remote uplands of the Cowal Peninsula, Argyll and Bute.

According to the submitted plans, the development would comprise a total of seven wind turbines—five of which would reach a maximum blade tip height of 200 metres, with the remaining two proposed at 180 metres. These structures would be among the tallest on land turbines ever installed in this part of Scotland. In addition to the turbines, the application includes a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a substation, underground cabling, new access tracks, upgraded forestry roads, and multiple construction compounds across the site.

Together, these elements represent a significant transformation of the existing upland landscape into a heavily engineered energy production zone.

This is not the first application in these hills. Enough is Enough: it’s time to SAVE Cowal’s Hills for Good.

Giant’s Burn Wind Farm – A Risk to the Landscape, Nature, and Communities

This development could seriously harm:

• The natural landscape
• Important upland habitats
• The wellbeing of nearby communities

The public consultation is now open. Therefore, this is the time to act.

To support communities, ObjectNow is working with the Save Cowal’s Hill Campaign Group. Together, we are launching an easy-to-use public objection system. Notably, this tool will go live within days and help you submit a formal objection in minutes.

What’s Being Proposed?

Based on Statkraft’s Environmental Impact Assessment Report, the proposed Giant’s Burn development would include the following components:

• 5 wind turbines up to 200 metres high
• 2 wind turbines up to 180 metres high
• A large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
• 10+ km of new and upgraded access tracks
• A new access route via the C10 road and B836
• Underground cabling and a substation connection
• Multiple construction compounds and turbine platforms

Importantly, the site is located in a scenic and ecologically sensitive area. It lies close to walking paths, rural homes, and popular visitor routes around Dunoon, Sandbank, and Loch Striven. However these scenic and ecologically sensitive areas are being overlooked by Statkraft.

Why Are People Objecting to Giant’s Burn Wind Farm?

1. Landscape and Visual Damage

The turbines would dominate the skyline and disrupt long-established views. As a result, they would significantly alter the natural character of the Cowal Peninsula. In fact, they would be visible from great distances, including parts of Inverclyde.

2. Harm to Tourism and Local Jobs

The Cowal Peninsula depends heavily on visitors who are drawn to its natural beauty and tranquillity. However, introducing a large wind farm could change that appeal. More importantly, it may drive tourists away and, in turn, harm the local economy and livelihoods that depend on steady visitor numbers.

3. Battery Storage Risks

The proposed BESS facility raises several serious concerns. For example, similar battery systems in other locations have caused fires, explosions, and releases of toxic smoke. Consequently, emergency services in rural areas (where response times are often slower) could be placed at significant risk. In addition, local residents may face safety hazards that are difficult to mitigate.

4. Loss of Nature and Wildlife Habitat

Constructing access roads and turbine bases would significantly damage peatland. Moreover, it would disrupt important wildlife corridors that many species rely on for movement and survival. As a result, the cumulative effect could lead to serious, long-term ecological degradation. In the long run, these impacts may prove irreversible.

5. Noise, Shadow Flicker, and Disturbance

Because the proposed turbines are located so close to homes and public paths, residents are likely to experience ongoing disturbance. In particular, they may suffer from continuous noise and flickering shadows caused by sunlight passing through the moving blades. Furthermore, these effects could reduce people’s ability to relax, sleep, or enjoy the outdoors.

6. Unrelenting Development Pressure

Across Cowal, numerous wind and grid infrastructure projects have already been proposed. As a result, the addition of this new development would further increase the mounting pressure on local infrastructure, planning resources, and community capacity. Moreover, it raises serious questions about whether the region can sustainably absorb yet another large-scale energy scheme.

What Is ObjectNow Doing to Help Fight Giant’s Burn Wind Farm?

In order to make the public response to the Giant’s Burn Wind Farm application process more accessible, ObjectNow is launching a user-friendly objection system. This tool is designed to support individuals who want to take meaningful action but may not know where to start.

As part of ObjectNow’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and ensuring public access to the planning process, this platform will provide a clear, structured way for individuals to participate effectively. Specifically, it will:

• Clearly outline the key planning and environmental issues, helping you understand the core risks and policy conflicts within the application.
  
• Guide you through the process of creating a professional, well-structured objection letter, tailored to the specific details of the Giant’s Burn Wind Farm proposal.
  
• Submit your objection directly to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU), ensuring it is officially recorded during the consultation period.
  
• Allow you to copy your objection to your local MSPs, councillors, and MP, thereby increasing political awareness and visibility of public concern.

Most importantly, you don’t need to be a legal expert to participate. In fact, the tool is designed to guide you step by step, making the entire process clear and accessible from start to finish. Additionally, your objection will be backed by relevant policy and planning references.

How You Can Help Fight Giant’s Burn Wind Farm

To make a meaningful impact during this crucial public consultation phase, it is essential that as many people as possible submit their objections. Every individual voice contributes to the overall weight of public opinion. Fortunately, taking part is quick, accessible, and free.

Here’s what you can do right now to help protect Cowal’s Hill:

• First, follow Save Cowal’s Hill on social media to stay informed about the campaign and local updates.
• Next, bookmark https://object.now so you can easily access the objection tool when it goes live.
• Then, check back regularly over the next few days — the system is launching soon, and your early objection can set the tone.
• Finally, share this article with friends, neighbours, and local groups who care about protecting Cowal’s Hill. The more voices we raise, the stronger our impact will be.

In conclusion, your individual objection could play a vital role in shaping the outcome of this proposal. Every submission strengthens the collective voice calling for responsible planning and environmental protection. Ultimately, by acting together, we stand a real chance of stopping this development and preserving what matters most to our communities — our landscape, our wellbeing, and our future.

Regards,
ObejectNow

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