North Ayrshire Council has formally objected to plans for a new multi-fuel power station at Hunterston at a meeting today (Wednesday, November 9).

Over the last five weeks, s1fairlie has reported on the Hunterston headache several times.

Last week, we told how a decision on the controversial plant would be submitted at today’s consultation meeting.

We have also reported that more than 20,000 people had signed a petition to stop the development - more objections than any other plan in Scottish planning history.

This afternoon, elected members agreed to object to the proposals on the basis that it is contrary to various local and national planning policies.

They also pledged to ask the Scottish Government to hold a public inquiry if it intends to approve the application.

Whilst the local authority is a consultant in the matter, it is not the decision-maker for the Ayrshire Power Ltd application - the final decision lies with Scottish Ministers.

Council Leader, David O’Neill, said: “North Ayrshire is in urgent need of new jobs – but not at any cost.

“We have the highest unemployment rate in Scotland and appreciate that a new power station at Hunterston would create new jobs.

“However, we cannot ignore the adverse impact this development could have on the area.

“Councillors at today’s meeting recognised the strength of public feeling on the plans and expressed concern that the facility would not capture 100 per cent of carbon emissions from day one.

“They also highlighted the lack of sufficient information on the impact on human health and the effects the development would have on the local environment.

“We now ask that the Scottish Government hold a public inquiry if they intend to approve the application.”

Councillors agreed that the development should be refused on the following grounds:

• The power station would not capture 100 per cent of carbon emissions from the first day of operation.

• The development would have an adverse impact on landscape quality, built heritage and designated natural heritage sites.

• There is insufficient information and uncertainty surrounding the potential impacts the power station would have on human health, the environment, terrestrial and marine environment.

• The application does not properly consider the wider potential for industrial development, environmental sensitivities, or transportation issues.

• A multi-fuel power station would be incompatible with existing uses at Hunterston.

• The application does not provide appropriate mitigation for siting, design, landscape, seascape and visual impact.