COMMUNITY councils claim they are being blocked from joining a marine planning group which will determine major developments on the Firth of Clyde.

Controversial developments have been mooted for Hunterston in recent years, from oil rig decommissioning to a liquid natural gas terminal, and Fairlie campaigners David Telford and David Nairn fear these could be given a clear path if people's voices aren't heard.

The Firth of Clyde Planning Partnership group have allowed a number of businesses to be included on a new steering group, including Peel Ports and Caledonian MacBrayne, but community councils have been snubbed.

North Ayrshire Council's chief planning officer has also been invited - but participation has been denied for elected ward councillors.

With Hunterston set to be a key player in future industrial developments for the area, Mr Telford told the News people must be consulted on major decisions which could impact the Clyde and the local environment.

All community councils on the Clyde including Fairlie, Largs, Skelmorlie, West Kilbride and Bute Community Councils have written to the Firth of Clyde Planning Partnership called for the decision to be reversed.

David said: "They are preparing a marine masterplan which will tell you what is allowed in Hunterston and anywhere along the Clyde, and once that marine plan is prepared and agreed, that's it. If they say they would allow an Liquid Natural Gas Terminal or oil rig decommissioning development - that would be game, set and match.

"There are a whole load of groups in the Clyde Planning Partnership who have effectively been appointed.

"The community councils want on board so we can have a say on the matters - but so far we have been excluded.

"This is our coastline, and we have been concerned about the proposals that have been suggested in recent years. We want to see more stringent measures including community council participation in this body."

Mr Nairn says that a number of groups onboard have vested interests - and believes the community needs to have a say to prevent The Clyde from being 'carved up'.

A spokesperson for the Marine Planning Partnership said: "Governance is primarily a matter for the organisation because the regional marine planning framework involves the devolution of powers and functions to a regional delegate under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.

"With devolved powers it is the role of Scottish Government to provide support as is the case with the regional partnerships. The membership is a matter related to these delegated functions and it would therefore not be appropriate for ministers to comment or intervene.

"There will also be the opportunity provide views during the public consultation of the draft regional marine plan when it is finalised."

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch has also voiced concerns about the lack of community participation being allowed.

During the Peel Ports Masterplan consultation, the Clyde Marine Planning Partnership voiced concerns that the ‘Hunterston PARC site boundary’ encompassed some parts of the site of special scientific interest.