Southampton biomass application is delayed

The plant has been criticised by local residents and councillors

A planning application for a biomass power station at Southampton docks has been delayed until 2013.

Helius Energy plans to construct a £300m wood-fired plant at the city's Western Docks which it says will generate power for about 200,000 homes.

It was to be submitted this autumn but it has been delayed by issues raised during the public consultation.

A spokesman declined to discuss the exact reasons but said plans will now be submitted early in 2013.

A group of residents from the nearby area have protested against the power station.

Steven Galton from the No Southampton Biomass campaign said: "I'm angry and disappointed because once again residents are last to find out Helius' plans.

"That said, the longer this delay goes on the better it is for our cause.

"In the short term burning biomass means putting more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than burning coal.

"On a large scale it just does not stack up and the more research that's been done, the more that's been shown to be true."

Because the development is a nationally significant project, planning permission will be decided by the planning inspectorate which will report directly to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Southampton City Council will prepare the local impact report that will be considered by the inspectorate.