Voting so far

Voting up to 7/3/06 has been 86% against and 14% in favour of a windfarm here. Comments include:

AGAINST

• There's too much intrusion into what little natural space we have left.
• The Kilpatrick hills as a whole are too valuable to have the environment spoiled by this development.
• I am most concerned by the low frequency noise pollution, the dangers to local wildlife and the limit on access to our hills.
• A disaster plan.
• As a frequent walker in the Kilpatrick Hills (especially around Loch Humphrey and the three Duncolm hills) I am appalled that such a beautiful landscape can be blighted by these monstrosities. One of the joys of the Kilpatricks is to walk in an area which is largely unspoilt,
• Impressed by the 'Country Guardian' points and particularly concerned about the danger to birds, such as the grouse mentioned also low flying geese for which it would be a serious hazard.
• I am totally opposed to business owned and operated wind farms - they do not make any sense - they are not efficient, cause major wildlife and environmental damage and are a huge blot on our beautiful Scottish landscapes.
• I know the hills and surrounding area of Milngavie, Bearsden and the Kilpatricks well. I do not wish to see any more turbines blight our countryside when they offer so little in energy terms.
• Concerned over emission of low level noise as have lived near Largs for years and have experienced the 'hum'personally and found it detrimental to healthy living.
• Unnecessary blight on landscape Would appear to be on flightpath of planes from islands and helicoptor. Ref to Dail Mail sat 10/01/2004 re house devaluation & noise.
• West Dunbartonshire has suffered much damaging development over the past 30 years changing it's rural character and attractiveness. A wind farm in this sensitive site would destroy one of it's last remaining assets,both scenically and for its recreational value to a huge urban population and for a now limited population of rare and endangered birds and mammals. Enough harm has been done here and every effort should be made to put a halt to it.
• I am absolutely apalled that such a project should even be considered to go ahead. I have been walking over the Kilpatrick Hills for over 30 years and am strongly opposed to any development in this region. I have a five year old son, whom I have introduced to these parts and he thoroughly enjoys his time when I take him there. What is the future for him and his generation if this project, and anything like it is approved by our Councillers and Politicians?
• We are lucky to live so close to a unspoiled area, and it should remain unspoiled. I have walked these hills often and want them left for future generations to get the same enjoyment. This is a totally inappropriate location for this development.
• The focus opposing this proposal must singularly be on the proposed location which has more value than any perceived benefit that a wind farm may bring.
• I have registered a vote against the project..I believe it will spoil the landscape and provide noise pollution in an area which should not be compromised, especially being so close to Loch Lomond. I have walked in the hills on a frequnt basis and enjoy the views from my own home...a wind farm would be a disaster to myself and my family. I completely object.
• Our beautiful landscape should not be scarred for the sake of profit, especially to a non-Scot company.
• Look at the facts, studies were made that the greater wind power was measured offshore, plan these farms away from the public eye and act in the public interest. Renewable energy is the future but do the right thing and build these in the correct locations not the most convenient.
• not an appropriate site - much too visible
• I am absolutely opposed so long as ther is so much continuing wastage. 3 kw gas heaters outside my local pub and on sale in DIY centres are just one small example.
• If this development is allowed the hills will be permanently scarred and will not hold the same attraction for myself and hundreds of others who wander up there for it's tranquil beaty

FOR

• Birds, like other animal species and indeed their habitats, have much more to fear from global warming than from wind farms. Wind turbines are a proven technology which are often popular with tourists, as the Gaia centre in Cornwall illustrates.
• Energy efficiency is of course very important, however as the economy grows we will inevitably need more power. If this growth is to be accommodated without producing greenhouse gases then renewables and nuclear are the only options.
• If insulation is so effective, maybe if people insulated their homes and we had wind farms as well there would be no need to burn fossil fuels to produce electricity.
• I presume those opposed to wind farms are not happy to accommodate more nuclear power stations. If so then some rational debate about our future security of energy supply needs to be engaged.
• We need to look towards the future for fuel sources which are more friendly to the environment
• Have you nothing better to do than protest against things?
• wind farms enhance an area.
• whoever says wind farms are noisy have obviously never been near one in their life.they are quiet and majestic and can enhance barren areas.
• surely its up to the farmers what they do with the land,after all they own it.they dont tell you what to do in your garden.turbines are not noisy,and after a recent visit to the hills i found them barren and bare. the turbines will look a lot better than the pylons.
• clydebelt dont OWN the kilpatrick hills.please give the farmers the freedom to do what they want with the land,after all , they have allowed unrestricted access to the hills for hillwalkers for decades,with nothing in return.
• once wind farms are established many farmers improve walkers facilities such as styles over fences picnic areas and improved access.this results in bigger numbers visiting the hills to view the windmills and scenery combined.the same will surely be planned for the kilpatricks which can surely be a good thing.
• farming businesses are on their knees at present,particularly hill farms and wind farms are often the only way a hill farm can survive in business,thus keeping livestock on the hills and inturn ensuring the hills dont turn into an unkempt wilderness or have to be covered in forestry.
• I feel that wind farms are fantastic, they do not release any greenhouse gases or produce deadly nuclear waste, create local jobs, have mininmal environmental impact, they are beautiful structures and the way forward for the 21st century. I get annoyed with town folk who enjoy an occasional walk in the hills and have houses full of electricity guzzeling machines, who object on the most silly reasons to progression and modern thinking. Renewables are the future and the sooner we get used to them the better.