RSPB Scotland has expressed disappointment that a nationally important wildlife site at Hunterston has been left vulnerable by North Ayrshire Council’s new Local Development Plan.

Southannan Sands, which was the focus of a recent campaign against the building of a new coal-fired power station, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a vital feeding and roosting area for wading birds. It is also one of the best areas of intertidal mudflats within the entire Clyde coastline.

Both the RSPB and local residents objected to the site being earmarked for industrial development, one of the reasons why the local plan had been referred to the Scottish Government.

But last week, Ministers gave their approval for a plan that offers very little protection for wildlife at Southannan Sands, and gives focus instead to its potential to be reclaimed for industry.

Zoe Clelland, senior conservation officer for RSPB Scotland, said: “It is incredibly disappointing to learn that Ministers have put in jeopardy the future of such an important wildlife site, which was only recently saved from the building of an inappropriate and unwelcome coal-fired power station.

“RSPB Scotland supports sustainable development and we think that there are opportunities for economic development at Hunterston. However, to give wildlife proper protection, the Local Development Plan would need to ensure that industry is restricted to areas out-with the SSSI, and this has not happened.

“The plan now gives broad support for a wide range of industry at Hunterston and while the environmental impacts on any new proposal will have to be scrutinized, the door has been left open to further developments coming forward in the future that could be just as damaging to the site as the power station proposal.“ While the inclusion of a compensation clause in the plan is a positive step, its delivery would be difficult and take many years. North Ayrshire Council is being urged to start work on identifying such a site as soon as possible.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “Any proposal which could affect this SSSI would be considered on a case-by-case basis and would require a detailed environmental assessment to identify and understand the potential impact and any appropriate mitigation.”