The controversial Hunterston test turbine facility will shutdown after a decision on an extension was delayed for the third time this year. 
The long running saga over the two year extension was due to be decided this week. 
Now, late submissions to the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division has resulted in date being pushed back to December.
Operators SSE have now confirmed that the turbines will be switched off pending the final outcome.
MSP Kenneth Gibson informed the ‘News’ after speaking to to Colin Bell at the Scottish Government that because of late written submissions made by Rita Holmes of Fairlie, and Cumbrae Community Council, and further written responses to a Procedure Notice, they’ve had to move the date back to 8 December.
He said: “The decision may still be posted before this date, but he could not confirm. The decision will be published online, and all parties will receive a letter detailing the outcome.”
SSE’s appeal to Scottish Ministers regarding a two year extension to their turbine development resulted in North Ayrshire Council being no longer able to determine the application.
At last month’s NAC planning committee meeting, the committee were instead asked to form an opinion on the merits of the case, to form the basis of the council’s evidence, to be presented to the Scottish Ministers.
The committee unanimously refused to back the application due to it being ‘contrary to planning policy’ and inappropriate in design and scale to its surroundings.
An SSE spokesperson said: “The consent for the Hunterston site expires on Friday 13 October at midnight and the site will cease generating electricity from that point pending a decision by the Scottish Government on the planning appeal submitted in July 2017.
“The Hunterston site has brought multiple benefits to the offshore wind industry as well as the local community over the past five years, SSE hopes to continue these benefits through the two year time extension and awaits the decision of the Scottish Government.”