Preserving Largs’ much loved landscape and keeping it clear of trees were among the main concerns raised at two busy meetings on the Largs forestry project this week.
The proposals concern the area between the back of Largs and over the hills to Blair Park Farm on the Kilbirnie road.
Visual impact, community woodland and recreation, and public access were the main topics consulted upon. 
Ian Dippie of the Save the Gretas campaign said: “Many comments were recorded and many concerns expressed about proposed planting on the top and front of the hill behind Largs and the plans for the Gogo valley and Greta Falls area. 
“Wild land on the eastern edge of the development was also a major concern.
“The developer will now review the comments and rework their design before presenting yet another new proposal to the Forestry Commission. If the Forestry Commission are satisfied that the plan is competent the proposal will then come back for further formal public consultation.
“Let’s hope that the new design is more respectful of the wishes of a large number of local people.”
Trevor Blackburn, director of Gresham House Forestry Limited, who were representing Stakis Forestry LLP, said: “The reason it suits the scheme is that it meets the climate objectives. We are trying to find a compromise which suits the community. Some people are wanting more native woodland.”
“There is the government policy point of viewm and there is also the client point of view in terms of selling timber in future, as it has to operate as a commerical woodland.” 
Largs Organic Gardens came forward and expressed an interest, and Mr Blackburn stated that it could be possible to provide some hectares towards allotments and raised flower bed areas.
Trevor added: “There is the framework for more paths and cycle areas. The questions we have been asking is if these path routes are in the right place. 
“We realise people are passionate about it, and we have to find a scheme which provides a happy medium which meets all these objectives.”
The owners of the land Stakis Forestry LLP is a partnership of Andrew Stakis who owns 30% and the Stakis Foundation owns 70% which is a charity with supports projects in Renfrewshire, Glasgow, and Cyprus where the Stakis family come from.