MSP Katy Clark anticipates a towering problem for Hunterston unless appropriate safeguards are not put in place for the future of a controversial development.

Attempts by a cable manufacturer to weaken financial safeguards for a plan to build a new plant at Hunterston must be rejected, the Labour list MSP has said.

XLCC’s proposal to construct a huge subsea cable manufacturing facility, including a 185-metre tower, at Hunterston was approved by North Ayrshire Council in August. 

But the company is seeking to amend a planning permission condition requiring a financial bond to be secured with the landowner should the tower be made redundant.

In a covering letter to the council, XLCC argued that it should not be expected to sign a financial bond agreement until after construction has started.

The developer is also seeking to prolong the period before the tower needs to be removed in the event of redundancy.

In her own submitted objection Katy said the developer’s proposals risk leaving 'the local community suffering the eyesore of the building and substantial tower without any economic benefits'.

Katy, who represents West Scotland, commented: “I am deeply disappointed that XLCC still seems determined to wriggle out of vital safeguards that ensure the taxpayer isn’t left footing any bill should things go awry.

“The council’s approval of this project was subject to clear safeguards that ensure the developer recognises its obligations to the local community. 

“Communities must be kept on side every step of the way during planning developments and I’d encourage residents to have their say before the period for objections expires on 29 March.”