Cable manufacturing company XLCC have responded to local concerns around their multi million pound operation coming to Hunterston.

A number of public consultations have taken place in Largs, Fairlie, Millport and West Kilbride concerning the development.

But the company say that a number of rumours have been circulating which they are keen to lay to rest.

Last week, SNP councillor Alan Hill accused the developer of secrecy in relation to a lack of information as to what was happening in various buildings at the development after a perceived lack of detail in their latest planning application in relation to the site.

XLCC told the News that they have submitted all of the information required by the conditions, both regarding the factory and the tower.

A company spokesperson said: "We are pleased to have had the opportunity to engage and answer questions with both the local council (including North Ayrshire) and the local public either through direct conversations or via one of the many community engagement sessions we have run. 

"We have always aimed to provide a greater level of detail than is required through the planning process as we endeavour to put forward the correct facts regarding the project – we know that there are a lot of rumours circulating that we have attempted to correct. 

"We are confident that the economic, environmental and social benefits of the project create substantial value for both the local communities, for Scotland and wider UK as a whole.”

XLCC has secured planning permission in principle for the cable factory, and have submitted all of the information required by the conditions, including details of the proposed buildings, roads and other spaces within the site.

They have also submitted details regarding dust generation and an assessment of anticipated operational noise.

In a statement, the company said: "Lead is required in the manufacture as there is no other metallic sheath currently available to provide this layer in HVDC submarine cable. 

"There are no chemical processes other than heating the XLPE compound during the manufacturing process.

"There is approximately 300 tons of CO2 equivalent of methane produced per year but this annual CO2 amount is offset by the cable transmitting renewable power and replacing electricity generated from gas in 16 minutes of operation.

"There is no ammonia used or stored on site at the proposed XLCC factory."