COUNCILLORS have given plans to build a new multi-million-pound hydro-electric power scheme near Inverkip the go-ahead despite a bid to have the proposals rejected.

Members of Inverclyde Council's planning board have today backed officers' recommendations that they sign off on proposals to install a 1,000-kilowatt facility on the Kip Water by a vote of 9-2. 

The plans were opposed by SNP councillor Christopher Curley, who told his colleagues that he did not believe there were sufficient community benefits for the scheme to be approved. 

READ MORE: Road to close for filming of BBC drama this month

However, his amendment to reject the plans was defeated in a vote to back Conservative councillor Graeme Brooks' motion to grant permission subject to conditions. 

The development will take water through a new four-kilometre buried pipeline between Loch Thom and Inverkip.

It will use excess water spilled from the Loch Thom Reservoir into the Compensation Reservoir and transfer it by pipeline into the Daff Reservoir.

The fluid will then be piped from the Daff Reservoir back to Kip Water unchanged in quantity and quality via a powerhouse located in Bankfoot.

A switchroom would also be constructed along the route as part of the development, with approximately 1.2 kilometres of new and upgraded access tracks being created to improve access to the powerhouse, switch room and intake at the Daff Reservoir.

The scheme, which is set to be built on Ardgowan Estate land, will take about 20 months to complete.

Council officers outlined a total of 25 conditions which they believe should be placed on the development if permission is given.

These include a stipulation that developers Greenock Hydro Power Ltd only carry out works outwith the bird breeding season on the section of pipeline set to be installed between the Daff Reservoir intake and a point level with the upper edge of Leapmoor Forest.

This condition seeks to mitigate the impact the project will have on breeding hen harriers located at the nearby Renfrewshire Heights Special Protection Area (SPA).