Health fears have been raised over turbines at Hunterston, as details emerge that the third planned for the site will be highest yet at 220 metres.

The existing two, which measure 193m to tip, have been erected by Siemens and Mitsubishi, although the second turbine has yet to start operating despite having been installed months ago.

Now, Conservative councillor Tom Marshall has called for a full and frank debate on the impact of infrasound — low frequency noise said to be produced by wind turbines — before permission is given to the third.

He said: “ It is important the whole issue of infrasound is robustly debated - I believe there are some residents in Fairlie who claim they are being affected by turbine noise.

“The planning officers will deal with the third turbine application under delegated powers - but there will still need to be a formal planning application as it is different size from the previous two.

“There would then be the opportunity for the public to comment on it. Currently, it is a screening application to test the waters. It is important the whole issue of infrasound is robustly debated.” David Telford, who is the chair of NAV-OV group (North Ayrshire Vandalised our Village), has also spoken out over Scottish Enterprise’s application to North Ayrshire Council for the third 8MW turbine.

He has also raised concerns about infrasound’s effect on the neighbouring community. He said the village was, in effect, being made a “guinea pig” for the project.

The fears come as an international conference on wind turbine noise takes place in Glasgow.

The purpose of the conference, which runs until Thursday, is for those with an interest in wind farm noise and generation to meet and discuss problems and solutions.

However, North Ayrshire Council’s environmental health department has dismissed any health concerns, saying the infrasound was at such a low frequency that there was no significant threat.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed in industry publications that Mitsubishi have dropped plans concerning marketing their ‘SeaAngel’ turbine - the second turbine - as a commercial product.