Southampton biomass application delayed for second time

Opponents criticised the latest delay over the plant

Plans for a biomass power station at Southampton docks have been delayed for a second time.

Helius Energy initially said it would submit a planning application for the £300m wood-fired plant last autumn, but delayed that until "early 2013".

The firm has now said it will apply this summer, giving it time to consider public consultation responses and proposed changes to government policy.

Opposition campaigners called the new deadline "vague".

Public concerns

Helius said the previous delay was also due to issues raised during its public consultation.

This time the firm said it needed "further clarification on elements of the UK government's energy legislative framework", which is currently going through Parliament.

Steven Galton, of the No Southampton Biomass campaign, said the new deadline left local people "in limbo" because it gave no specific date.

If approved, the plant would be located at Southampton's Western Docks and generate power for about 200,000 homes, according to Helius.