LARGS Community Council members have spoken out in favour of manufacturing company XLCC's multi-million pound Hunterston plan.

The development, which is expected to bring 900 jobs to the area, has been criticised by some environmental campaigners in Fairlie.

The firm's planning application was due to be heard today but has been delayed as the debate over the suitability of the project rages on.

CC member Jamie Black has come out in support of the development.

He said: "It is the people of Fairlie's prerogative if they have concerns, but it is important that we look after the Largs situation.

"We have lots of young people here and we are going to need jobs. In my mind this plant is good news which will bring an economic spin-off to the local area."

A number of public consultations have taken place in Largs, Fairlie, Millport and West Kilbride in a bid to allay fears surrounding the development.

SNP councillor Alan Hill recently accused the developer of secrecy in relation to a lack of information as to what would happen in various buildings at the development.

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 false 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.”

The firm have now 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."