ARTIST'S impressions showing the visual impact of a 40ft chimney in the middle of a new Largs housing development have sparked further fury among protestors.

Local pleaded with the council to scrap plans for the biomass boiler near their properties as almost 100 people turned up to a fiery public meeting on the Flatt Road development.

The event - which lasted two hours - was organised after residents campaigned for the consultation claiming the council had 'not been transparent' at previous meeting when deciding what would be used to heat the 120-home estate.

Those leading the bid to halt the 'eyesore' chimney remained at the event throughout to hand out flyers and muster support.

Resident Gordon McArthur has lead the battles since residents uncovered the council's plan.

He said: "Despite the nasty weather there was a great turnout and as far as we could see pretty much everyone was there to object.

"We've seen the artist's impressions now and they only strengthen our view on why this should be stopped.

"There were some really robust discussions and I think the council have been left in no doubt as to the strength of feeling against this proposal.

"The main points of concern seemed to be the unsightly nature of the construction and the fact that it is not appropriate for a residential area but there were also people worried about the potential harmful effects on health from pollutants.

"Then there were also concerns raised around noise and damage to roads from the constant delivery trucks.

"These are added to the outrage at the additional £500,000 cost to the Scottish taxpayer versus the 'gas only' alternative proposal."

Council bosses told the meeting that the construction of a biomass unit will not effect the safety of the air quality and is well within the Scottish Governments parameters regarding emissions.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The consultation event was very well attended and representatives from the council, contractor and design team were present to provide information and answer questions from residents.

“Feedback was gathered from attendees on the evening and the consultation remains open until November 1 to allow residents to give their views on the proposals.

"The design team will then review and collate all of the responses received from the consultation. The team hopes to provide a full response later in the year."

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: "Any plans for a biomass system would be subject to an Environmental Planning Assessment, which would ensure that there are no risks to human health, and that any proposals are compliant with strict environmental regulations.

"It will also comply with Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland programme, to ensure homes are greener, warmer and more efficient.”

No decision will be made regarding the proposed heating system until after the consultation ends.

Gordon added: "We want to be involved in the decision making process and will be asking to meet with NAC before any final call is taken. We will also continue to lobby our councillors and MSPs for support over the coming weeks."

The proposals can be viewed and comments can still be made online at http://www.northayrshire.community/consultations/