{"id":2956,"date":"2025-07-24T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/?p=2956"},"modified":"2026-01-04T16:20:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T16:20:38","slug":"giants-burn-wind-farm-a-giant-disaster-its-time-to-save-cowals-hills-for-good","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/2025\/07\/24\/giants-burn-wind-farm-a-giant-disaster-its-time-to-save-cowals-hills-for-good\/","title":{"rendered":"Giant&#8217;s Burn Wind Farm | A GIANT Disaster: It&#8217;s time to SAVE Cowal&#8217;s Hills for Good"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Statkraft UK Ltd <\/strong>has formally submitted a Section 36 application to the Scottish Government for its proposed Giant\u2019s Burn Wind Farm (ECU00005007), a major industrial-scale energy development located on and around Cowal\u2019s Hill, in the remote uplands of the Cowal Peninsula, Argyll and Bute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the submitted plans, the development would comprise a total of seven wind turbines\u2014five 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these elements represent a significant transformation of the existing upland landscape into a heavily engineered energy production zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not the first application in these hills. Enough is Enough: it&#8217;s time to SAVE Cowal&#8217;s Hills for Good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"193\" src=\"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cropped-Lyle-Hill-Plain-Image-scaled-1-1024x193.jpg\" alt=\"Giant's Burn Wind Farm\" class=\"wp-image-2957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cropped-Lyle-Hill-Plain-Image-scaled-1-1024x193.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cropped-Lyle-Hill-Plain-Image-scaled-1-300x57.jpg 300w, https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cropped-Lyle-Hill-Plain-Image-scaled-1-768x145.jpg 768w, https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cropped-Lyle-Hill-Plain-Image-scaled-1.jpg 1260w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Giant&#8217;s Burn Wind Farm &#8211; A Risk to the Landscape, Nature, and Communities <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This development could seriously harm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>natural landscape<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important <strong>upland habitats<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>wellbeing of nearby communities<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The public consultation is now open. Therefore, this is the time to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To support communities, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/object.now\/site\">ObjectNow<\/a><\/strong> is working with the <strong><a title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.savecowalshills.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Save Cowal\u2019s Hill Campaign Group<\/a><\/strong>. Together, we are launching an <strong>easy-to-use public objection system<\/strong>. Notably, this tool will go live within days and help you submit a formal objection in minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s Being Proposed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on Statkraft\u2019s Environmental Impact Assessment Report, the proposed Giant\u2019s Burn development would include the following components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>5 wind turbines<\/strong> up to <strong>200 metres<\/strong> high<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2 wind turbines<\/strong> up to <strong>180 metres<\/strong> high<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A large-scale <strong>Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>10+ km of new and upgraded access tracks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A new access route via the <strong>C10 road<\/strong> and <strong>B836<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Underground cabling and a substation connection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple construction compounds and turbine platforms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"948\" src=\"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2024-Proposed-Installation-Area-2048x1895-1-1024x948.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2024-Proposed-Installation-Area-2048x1895-1-1024x948.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2024-Proposed-Installation-Area-2048x1895-1-300x278.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2024-Proposed-Installation-Area-2048x1895-1-768x711.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2024-Proposed-Installation-Area-2048x1895-1-1536x1421.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2024-Proposed-Installation-Area-2048x1895-1-80x75.jpeg 80w, https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2024-Proposed-Installation-Area-2048x1895-1.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Are People Objecting to Giant&#8217;s Burn Wind Farm?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Landscape and Visual Damage<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Harm to Tourism and Local Jobs<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Battery Storage Risks<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Loss of Nature and Wildlife Habitat<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Noise, Shadow Flicker, and Disturbance<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s ability to relax, sleep, or enjoy the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Unrelenting Development Pressure<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is ObjectNow Doing to Help Fight Giant&#8217;s Burn Wind Farm?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to make the public response to the Giant&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of ObjectNow\u2019s 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. <strong>Specifically, it will:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clearly outline the key planning and environmental issues<\/strong>, helping you understand the core risks and policy conflicts within the application.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Guide you through the process of creating a professional, well-structured objection letter<\/strong>, tailored to the specific details of the Giant\u2019s Burn Wind Farm proposal.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submit your objection directly to the Scottish Government\u2019s Energy Consents Unit (ECU)<\/strong>, ensuring it is officially recorded during the consultation period.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allow you to copy your objection to your local MSPs, councillors, and MP<\/strong>, thereby increasing political awareness and visibility of public concern.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most importantly, you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How You Can Help Fight Giant&#8217;s Burn Wind Farm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s what you can do right now to help protect Cowal\u2019s Hill:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>First<\/strong>, follow <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61570019964827\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Save Cowal\u2019s Hill<\/a><\/strong> on social media to stay informed about the campaign and local updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Next<\/strong>, bookmark <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/object.now\">https:\/\/object.now<\/a><\/strong> so you can easily access the objection tool when it goes live.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Then<\/strong>, check back regularly over the next few days \u2014 the system is launching soon, and your early objection can set the tone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Finally<\/strong>, share this article with friends, neighbours, and local groups who care about protecting Cowal\u2019s Hill. The more voices we raise, the stronger our impact will be.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2014 our landscape, our wellbeing, and our future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Regards,<\/em><\/strong><br>ObejectNow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>SEO Keywords:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Giant\u2019s Burn Wind Farm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cowal\u2019s Hill wind farm objection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statkraft wind farm Argyll and Bute<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery storage risks wind farms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objection letter Scotland wind farm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Argyll wind farm planning objection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ObjectNow Save Cowal\u2019s Hill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial turbines near Dunoon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wind farm visual impact Argyll<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cowal Peninsula wind energy objection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Statkraft UK Ltd has formally submitted a Section 36 application to the Scottish Government for its proposed Giant\u2019s Burn Wind Farm (ECU00005007), a major industrial-scale energy development located on and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2931,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2956","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wind-farms"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2956","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2956"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2956\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2959,"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2956\/revisions\/2959"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2931"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2956"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2956"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/object.now\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}