A DECISION on whether to allow a controversial wind turbine to be built above Gourock has been deferred.

During an hour-long meeting of the Local Review Body yesterday afternoon, councillors discussed Texas Instruments’ proposal to build a 77-metre tall turbine — over 250ft — outside the company’s Larkfield Industrial Estate HQ.

After airing their views on the proposals, councillors unanimously voted to visit the site later this month before delivering their verdict.

Chairman David Wilson said: “This is a very important decision. This is a major employer in Inverclyde putting something forward that would help them with costs in the business.

“Equally it has got implications for constituents and residents and to the landscape.

“I think it does deserve more consideration.” Ronnie Gormley, who is chairman of Inverclyde Wind Turbine Monitoring Group — which opposes the development — is frustrated about the delay. Speaking to the Tele after the meeting, he said: “I’m disappointed that a decision has not been reached. I thought it would have been obvious that this thing would be detrimental to the amenity of many hundreds of people.

“I would anticipate that the site visit will bring this home to the elected members.” Planning officials rejected Texas Instruments’ plan in March due to the proposed turbine’s ‘height, scale and proximity to housing’.

Company chiefs appealed that decision to the Local Review Body, arguing that it would help to ‘significantly increase’ the amount of greener electricity the site uses, and reduce costs.

The site visit will be carried out later this month.