Work on a new hydroelectric scheme to be built behind Largs will cause ‘chaos’ for residents of Bellesdale Avenue, an objector to the project has claimed.

However, despite stating it would be a ‘nightmare’, just four people objected to the Greeto hydroelectric scheme, which was approved by North Ayrshire Council planners last week.

As part of this approval, developers have been told that, should the scheme stop producing electricity for more than six months, it would be deemed to be ‘no longer required’ and would be removed.

A second similar project, sited further up the Gogo and linked to the Greeto scheme, has now been submitted.

These projects are being developed on behalf of Stakis Ltd, along with a major forestry project According to the developers, the Greeto hydroelectric scheme will produce just under 2.3 GW/h every year. For comparison, this is less than 0.01% of Hunterston B’s production of 3,254 GW/h in 2012.

The approved scheme will include a water intake upstream of the Greeto Falls, with a turbine house built further down towards Halkshill Estate. The second scheme will feature a turbine house sited close to the convergence of the Greeto and Gogo.

Concerns have been formally raised about the suitability of Bellesdale Avenue for construction vehicle access.

One local resident had objected after claiming that heavy vehicles had already been using Bellesdale Avenue and warning of further work despite having no planning permission at the time.