A public meeting on the controversial plans for a commercial forest overlooking Largs will go ahead, despite the developers plans for a smaller ‘drop-in’ session.

Largs Community Council has reiterated its view that ‘openness’ is a crucial part of both the commercial forestry proposals and a separate plan to construct a hydro-electric scheme within the forestry bounds, and insisted that the meeting - which it committed to early in the process - will go ahead.

Community council Chair Douglas Blair told the News: “It is Largs Community Council’s intention to hold a public meeting once the Forestry Commission issues to the public the full Environmental Impact Statement submitted by the owner. We would expect support from all government agencies and the developers.

“Openness is crucial in this matter. Having another walk-in display, as proposed by the developer in a recent comment to the Largs and Millport News, is not sufficient. Largs Community Council recommends that a NAC task force detailing what the North Coast wishes and expects from both schemes is essential.” Mr Blair had previously spoken of the community council’s unhappiness with the way the commercial forestry project and hydro-electric scheme were being dealt with, insisting that, ultimately, they formed part of one overall plan. He also added that a number of positive community projects which had been mooted - including facilities for mountain biking, hill walking, orienteering, and picnic sites - appeared to have disappeared from the final plans.

He said: “The two projects are inexorably linked but the forestry commission will not comment on hydro-electric scheme despite the likely impact on the forest proposals. North Ayrshire Councils influence is limited in relation the forest project (which is one of the largest in the central belt of Scotland) but can have a major influence on the hydroelectric scheme including the road, building and bridge developments for both schemes.

“However, the current proposals imply that there is an economic benefit to North Ayrshire. This has not been quantified or qualified by the developers. Either way, the projects will impact on Largs and the immediate area for the next 50- 60 years. For both projects, public funding through specific grants and other financial support should mean the community of Largs and taxpayers have a say in what happens.” Mr Blair added that early discussions had suggested the revenues from the hydro-scheme would be ‘substantial’.

“The community council understands for such grants etc. to be released to the developer they must demonstrate a community benefit. Furthermore, an email was sent to the community council in 2013 hinting at the possible revenues accruing from a hydroelectric scheme which is substantial.” The planning application for the hydro-electric scheme was considered by the community council last Thursday, with the group commenting on materials suggested for the turbine house and concerns about the access from Flatt Road, via Bellesdale Avenue.

Mr Blair said he had heard a range of views from local people, from the ‘mildly positive to vehemently opposed’.

The community council is now due to meet with developers, councillors and council officers to discuss the forestry project. Mr Blair added: “The community council hopes that we can agree with all parties a way forward that benefits all but we would encourage residents in Largs and area to make their views known both to the community council and our elected representatives.”