THE planning application for the proposed wind farm on the Rosneath Peninsula has now been submitted.

This project would be the biggest community wind farm in Britain, comprising 5 turbines each 92.5 metres high and with a rotating blade span of 71 metres.

In recent years, the communities of Cove and Kilcreggan have been successful in a number of laudable projects including the saving of Cove Burgh Hall which has become the venue for an impressive range of activities. Creative Scotland announced recently that the Peninsula has been shortlisted for an award with a prize fund of �5O,OOO and the vibrant Cove and Kilcreggan Youth Caf�, supported by grants obtained from various bodies is a commendable achievement.

What a pity, that the Rosneath Peninsula West Community Development Trust now feels it necessary to embark on a commercial project of such magnitude; a project which would have a major detrimental environmental impact not only on the beautiful Peninsula itself, but also on so many of its neighbours. These include all of the west side of Loch Long lying within the National Park, parts of Dunoon , Hunter's Quay, Gourock, Greenock, Muirshiel Country Park and, contrary to information published in local press releases, many parts of Rhu, Shandon and Helensburgh on the eastern side of the Gare Loch.

Finally, and surely of no less importance, when such projects are being planned, is it justifiable , in the pursuit of financial gain, to ignore or minimize the incalculable disruption to the wildlife of the area which can also claim the Peninsula as home?

M. Whaley.