Largs Community Council hosted a public meeting at the Dunn Memorial Hall in front of an audience of 100 people as fears were voiced about the prospect of a multi-fuel coal power station being built at Hunterston.

Written letters of objection need to be made by Friday August 20 to Ayrshire Power’s plans for a coal-fired power station to: Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU.

Mr Ian Murdoch, who chaired the meeting, pointed out that as well as 240 extra trains, he had concerns about public health and the lack of carbon capture technology. In terms of coal dust, he made comparisons to the volcanic ash cloud earlier this year in terms of how it will affect properties and vehicles. He said: “Everyone knows that the wind predominantly comes south westerly in these parts and I think a multi fuels power station is a concern.” MSP Kenny Gibson pointed out that Scotland was already in a good position for its energy needs and contrary to opinion, did not need a coal power fire station. He said: “The assumption that Scotland will run out of energy is a false one.” Mr Gibson pointed out that energy developments at Longannet and Cockenzie, along with off shore wind projects and further energy projects throughout Scotland meant that the country had no need for a multi-fuel power station.

He added he had spoke to Scottish Natural Heritage who have voiced concerns about nitrous oxide emissions emanating from the plant, and said that financially the project seemed unviable given it required £300 million over a 40 year period to sustain itself and massive public subsidy.

Mr Tim Cowen, chairman of the Communities Opposed to Coal Power pressure group, said: “This project is driven by big business and money. Clydeport have already shown that they don’t care for local communities as residents in Fairlie have ongoing problems with coal dust. He pointed out that the development was the size of 150 football pitches and the chimney was 155m high, and questioned the impact of 870,000 tonnes of fly ash being generated by the site and public health issues.

A member of the public asked MSP Kenny Gibson if the Scottish Government was sympathetic to the development and if the consultation was a waste of time.

Mr Gibson stated that ministers won’t be deliberating on the application until the consultations are received but pointed out that in a pre-vote 66 MSPS voted against the project as opposed to 26 in favour, and that the SNP Government had already shown that it was prepared to allow the will of the Parliament to go ahead in past voting, citing the £545m trams project in Edinburgh as an example.