AN ENVIRONMENTAL campaigner has accused the firm behind plans for up to 13 new wind turbines in North Ayrshire of "excluding" Largs from its public consultations.

Galileo Green Energy is "exploring the potential" for a development of up to 13 wind turbines on land between West Kilbride, Dalry and Fairlie - each one with a maximum height of up to 200 metres.

The company says its planned Crosbie wind farm would be capable of generating more than 78 megawatts (MW) of "clean, green energy", enough to power up to 51,289 homes a year.

Ian Dippie claims it is "strange" that Largs has not been chosen by the firm as a venue for public consultation events, when meetings have taken place, and are planned to be held next week, in locations such as Ardrossan, Millport and Brodick.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Galileo held a first round of consultation events last year, and a second round is planned from Tuesday, April 23 onwards.

Mr Dippie said: “The proposal is for 13 turbines up to 200 metres tall - double the height of the Kelburn - and each with a power output up to 7MW, on Fairlie Moor surrounding Kaim Hill.

“Up until now turbines of this size have been used predominantly offshore.

"The proposed site is within Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and if the project is approved by the Scottish Government it will have a significant visual impact on the area, over and above the major construction work and ecological impact that will result during the build and ongoing support.

“Separate to any planning conditions, the developers are proposing a community fund which could contribute £390,000 per year to the local economy,.

"However the surrounding population is approximately 35,000, equating to only £11 equivalent per head each year.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

“While there is no doubt the UK as a whole needs to further develop wind farms to meet UK objectives of net zero should Scotland with its large installed base not consider a more nuanced approach and restrict further developments in areas of natural beauty such as national and regional parks?”

Cllr Ian Murdoch said: “In my opinion, a consultation should be held in Largs. The development is also far too close to populated areas in West Kilbride and Fairlie.

"I am in favour of renewable energy. However, it has to be appropriate for the area.

"There are many concerns about this proposal. There would be a huge visual impact, possible environmental impacts and possible health impacts.”

Councillor Todd Ferguson pointed out that the Scottish Government just consented to 10 in the Highlands at a height of 230m.

He said: “When I met online with Galileo last year to discuss their plans I made it perfectly clear to them that I would support whatever the majority of the communities I represent wanted. My position hasn’t changed.”

Mr Dippie added: “I have taken the matter of the omission up with Galileo – and I was told that they had decided to exclude Largs.

"I don’t know if they have decided on a matter of visibility, but the things will be visible from Largs if they are built, and even more so inland on the Clyde Muirshiel grounds.

"Largs being one of the bigger population bases in the area, I feel it is important that it is included in any public consultation events.”

Galileo have been contacted for comment.

Details of Galileo's second round of engagement events are as follows.

  • Tuesday, April 23: Dalry Community Centre, 7-9pm.
  • Wednesday, April 24: Fairlie Village Hall, 10am-2pm.
  • Wednesday, April 24: Whitlees Community Centre, Ardrossan, 4-6.30pm.
  • Thursday, April 25: DA Hall, Millport, 5-7pm.
  • Tuesday, April 30: Brodick Public Hall, Arran, 10am-2pm.
  • Wednesday, May 1: West Kilbride Village Hall, 12pm-4pm.

All members of the public are welcome to attend the events and to put any questions to the Galileo team.

For more details on the wind farm development proposal, go to crosbiewindfarm.co.uk.