The Park Hotel in Dunoon is the venue for the inquiry into an appeal against refusal of Cowal Wind Energy's plans for 14 wind turbines on Corlarach hill, which is clearly visible from Port Bannatyne, Ardbeg and large areas of Rothesay.

The inquiry, which could last for up to nine days, will be heard by a local government representative, acting as reporter, who will hear evidence from both sides before determining, at a later date, whether or not the project is to go ahead.

The plan was originally turned down by Bute and Cowal councillors back in January 2008 and intends to install up to 14 wind turbines on Corlarach Hill, between the Kyles of Bute and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The developing company, a subsidiary of West Coast Energy, states that the turbines will be capable of producing enough energy to supply two-thirds of Argyll and Bute's demand for electricity.

One of the main causes for concern from the project's critics is the sheer size of each turbine - 125 metres in height and with blades that have a span greater than the wingspan of a jumbo jet.

"The witness statements make comparisons with the Cornish wind farms," Dunoon businessman Philip Norris, one of the project's most fervent detractors, told The Buteman.

"The problem is that their turbines are less than half the size than the ones planned here.

"The last hearing was a locally based, democratic decision involving the local communities and councillors. In this appeal, the reporter is not from the area, and the appellant team is from miles away."

The opponents' other major worry is that the wind farm will have an adverse effect on an economy which is heavily reliant upon tourist trade, and former area tourist board director James Fraser will give evidence in support of this point of view.

"I think it is completely crazy that they are putting these farms on the hill," said Tony Harrison, who runs Balmory Hall in Ascog and is one of the leading Bute-based opponents of the plan, "especially when you consider Corlarach is featured in marketing campaigns for Bute as the main scenery.

"And the fact that they want to spoil that with industrial constructions should not be allowed to happen.

"The landscape scenic views from Bute are very important in not only attracting visitors but in ensuring they recommend others to visit and to return themselves."

However Samantha Crosby, the senior planning and development manager for West Coast Energy, told us she believed the project could benefit the area.

"Many studies have been carried out," she said, "and not one has proven that wind farms have a negative effect on the area.

"It brings capital and opportunities of spending into the area."

The whole project would cost between £40-50 million, and the company plans to use all local resources to build the farm.

Check back to www.buteman.co.uk next week for the latest on the progress of the inquiry.