Heavy goods vehicles could be set to cause chaos through Largs, Fairlie and West Kilbride after an access plan for a new wind farm north of Largs was altered.
Original instructions for the construction traffic to come down the Haylie Brae have been changed – and Largs Community Council say a number of local communities are now going to be badly affected.
The proposed wind farm, to be situated on a hill behind Constable Woods and Outerwards in Largs, is for ten turbines each with a tip height of up to 149.9 metres.
A planning application is currently with the council.
Environment spokesman Ian Dippie, of Largs Community Council, said: “There is now information which contains details on how they intend trucking all the construction traffic to the site. It will come through Fairlie, West Kilbride, Largs, and up the Routenburn Road, which requires modification to the road in places.”
Largs Community Council is now to meet to decide a course of action.
Independent councillor Ian Murdoch added: “A lot of people think it is a wind farm in Skelmorlie but it is going to be positioned close to Largs.
“It is a massive project in terms of capacity and one of the largest ever installed on land. I have personally objected as it does not comply with the local plan.
“There will be vast differences including changes and alterations to the ‘Red Road’ including 90 truck movements for the structures – and that is outwith the site construction traffic.
“Although perceived as Skelmorli’s problem, I believe it is everybody’s problem.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Prior to the commencement of development, a comprehensive traffic plan will be submitted. It shall include consideration of traffic management measures at the Routenburn Road and Craigmarloch Road junctions with the A78 trunk road.”
Applicants Burcote Wind say they have already reduced the number of turbines from 12 to 10, and have re-positioned them following ‘constructive feedback’ with consultees.
The firms says that that adverse effects on the setting of the area have been ‘reduced as far as possible by changes to proposed development design’.
Applicants ERG and Burcote are hosting a virtual consultation event later this month where the community have the opportunity to put questions to the project team.
It can be accessed via the project website www.rigghillwindfarm.com on 28 October from 1 to 7pm.
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