PLANS have been lodged to build a hydroelectric scheme that could power 200 homes on Arran.

The proposal includes installing a single turbine house and intake, connected by an underground pipeline, in Merkland Wood.

Electricity generated will feed into the public energy network, with the land managed by Forestry and Land Scotland for the Scottish Ministers.

The 0.72-hectare site is currently a commercial spruce plantation with patches of natural regeneration, and the proposal doesn't suggest changing its current use.

Notably, the project won't introduce new vehicle access or alter public paths, and it doesn't require waste production or new water supply connections.

The only structure proposed is a building housing the turbine, covering an area of 16 square metres.

The project, which does not fall into a known flood risk area, includes comprehensive documentation such as plans, cross-sections, environmental statements, habitat surveys, construction method statements, and mitigation plans.

Submitted on behalf of Forestry and Land Scotland, the project overview describes an 180kW micro-hydro scheme.

It is estimated to generate 660,000kWh annually, enough to meet the electricity needs of around 200 homes.

The area involves a commercial conifer plantation, natural regeneration of previously felled plantations, and riparian habitats.

The project adheres to regulatory guidance, with a protection plan developed to safeguard a population of Killarney Fern identified near the proposed development.

The scheme is designed to integrate efficiently into the existing landscape and forestry operations without requiring significant permanent changes to the site.

To view the plans in full detail, check out the North Ayrshire planning portal with the reference 24/00859/PP.