Residents 'not properly consulted' over huge windfarm development on outskirts of Largs

MSP Katy Clark has called for locals to be 'more closely consulted' over the proposed Rigghill Wind Farm Development south east of Skelmorlie.

Renewables company Burcote Wind and Italian developer ERG Group plan to build 10 giant turbines with a tip height of up to 150 metres.

North Ayrshire Council unanimously rejected the developer’s proposal in March but an appeal is currently being considered by the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA).

The Labour-list MSP said constituents who live nearby had been in touch with her to protest they had not been consulted about a revised proposal by the developer to use Routenburn Road for access to the proposed wind farm, which was listed as “supplementary information”.

She has now written to the DPEA case officer calling for clarity on how many local people were directly informed of this new development by letter or email.

Katy commented: “I am very concerned that some residents feel they have been left completely out the loop on such a significant element of this development.

“The local community has made clear its opposition to this proposal - and must be given every opportunity to comment whenever additional information is brought forward.

“I of course believe that it is important Scotland invests in renewable energy infrastructure. But, as has been noted by North Ayrshire Council, Rigghill is not the right location for massive wind turbines. It is adjacent to a Special Protection Area for local wildlife, and there are multiple households within a couple of miles who would suffer from the effects of low frequency noise.

“As has been noted by the council, Routenburn Road itself is not suitable for HGVs and proposals to widen Routenburn Road will cause catastrophic damage to trees, hedgerows and verges.

“I hope the DPEA consider this very carefully. It is clear residents need to be much more closely consulted.”