VILLAGERS have expressed concerns about plans for a hydro station on the banks of the River Calder.

A planning application has been submitted by Ashrona Power Systems Ltd (APSL) to construct a dam and pipeline upstream leading to a power station that would be built next to Lochwinnoch Cemetery.

The pipe is set to be 4.5km-long and begin just to the south-east of the visitors centre at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

However campaigners say the park, which covers parts of Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Ayrshire, is in danger of becoming “industrialised” by renewable energy.

The Gazette: Plans submitted to Renfrewshire Council show the proposed location of the station Plans submitted to Renfrewshire Council show the proposed location of the station

Lochwinnoch woman Sybil Simpson, who is vice-chair of the Save Your Regional Park campaign group, said she feels the concerns of residents and park users aren’t being listened to.

She told The Gazette: “We are not against the existence of renewable energy but we are against the unnecessary industrialisation of the park.

“The park is supposed to be the great green lung of the central belt and the people who visit contribute a great deal to the surrounding villages.

“We have several objections to the planning application from Ashrona. Firstly, the application says the power will go to local homes but that is just wrong. The power will go to the grid and could end up in Shetland.

The Gazette: The pipe is proposed to run along the River Calder towards the Muirshiel Country Park The pipe is proposed to run along the River Calder towards the Muirshiel Country Park

“Secondly, the plan says the park manager has no objections but there is no park manager.”

Local councillor Andy Doig has called on the Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority to do more to listen to the concerns of residents. 

The Gazette: Cllr Andy Doig believes the concerns of residents are not being listened toCllr Andy Doig believes the concerns of residents are not being listened to

A report submitted to Renfrewshire Council’s planning committee outlines the plans for the hydro station.

It states: “By utilising modern pipe and construction methods, the company has identified that, by the construction of an upstream dam and pipeline, a hydro power station of 1.99 MW (megawatts) can be established on a site immediately upstream of the Lochwinnoch Cemetery.”

Lochwinnoch Community Council has yet to declare an official position but The Gazette understands it is set to object to the plans.