THE firm behind a failed plan to build a string of giant 150m wind turbines between Skelmorlie and Largs are investigating whether they can appeal the decision.

North Ayrshire Council unanimously rejected the turbine plan for the south east of Skelmorlie - but developer ERG Group and Rigghill Wind Farm Ltd have three months to challenge the call.

Survey works have been taking place on Routenburn Road, which would be the major access route for construction traffic, but locals have voiced concerns that three of its bridges are unsuitable for carrying heavy loads.

A spokesperson for Rigghill Wind Farm Ltd says the findings would be key to how they proceed.

They added: "ERG at present it keeping its options open with regards to appealing the council’s decision, hence why some survey works have been undertaken on site.

"No final decisions on the next steps have been made at this stage." Rigghill is linking up with ERG, a European renewable power producer and leading independent operator for electricity from clean, renewable sources.

Resident Archie Burleigh, who lives at The Meigle in Skelmorlie, has alerted North Ayrshire Council to the survey works and says the area is unsuitable for such a venture.

He said: "During the last ten days, Pell Frischmann surveyors have been carrying out a detailed topographical survey of this road and in particular all permanent obstructions and features including overhanging trees and cables.

"I understand that this survey has been authorised by the proposed developer.

"North Ayrshire Council should pre-empt any appeal by the developer and carry out detailed bridge assessments of the entire route for itself.

"There are at least three original sandstone arches on the route and I fear that none of them will be suitable. These are at Routenburn Farm, the junction of Routenburn Road and St Phillan's Road and 200 yards north of Wardbowie on the Meigle Road."

Arthur Cowley, the council's senior manager for engineering and commercial services, told the News no local authority cash will be spent probing the stability of the bridges.

He said: "I would be insistent that this be done at the expense of the developer and not the council. Currently I am not aware that there are any weight restrictions on that route.

"I don’t feel that it is an appropriate use of our resources in the circumstances.

"In any case, should the bridges be inadequate for any proposed loads, there is a very reasonable prospect on a large scale project, that the developer would pay to have the bridges strengthened as necessary."

The council's planning committee previously unanimously rejected the development at Rigghill after it was found to breach ten policies within the local development plan.

There were also concerns raised about the impact on tourism, land around Clyde Muirshiel Park and archaeological disruption. All of the community councils in the area also fought against the proposal.

At the time Rigghill Wind Farm Ltd said North Ayrshire Council's rebuff was a 'missed opportunity' to tackle climate change.