PLANS for a giant, 27-storey tower on a former shipyard in Southampton could get the green light tomorrow.

Planning chiefs at Southampton City Council could be set to approve the next phase of the £500m Centenary Quay development in Woolston.

However more than 100 people have objected to the plans, accusing the developer of going back on promises to build a riverside walkway.

While planning permission has already been granted for the development, which will create 1,000 jobs, tomorrow planning chiefs will consider a bid for specific details of the next phase, including the 27-storey tower containing 157 flats.

An extension to the basement car park, children’s play area and riverside walkway are also included in the plans for the former Vosper Thornycroft site.

Developer Crest Nicholson says the plans will “mark a significant change in the relationship of the site to Woolston and offers far reaching regeneration benefits”.

The firm says the “physical and community renewal” and extra jobs, alongside the new homes and “the ongoing creation of a distinctive place” outweigh concerns from the public.

When complete, the development could see as many as 3,000 people living in 1,620 homes, while another two residential tower blocks are set to be built.

Council deputy leader and Woolston councillor Warwick Payne is among those objecting to the new plans, said Crest Nicholson had originally promised the walkway.

“In the original blueprint, there was always going to be public access to the riverside. Crest Nicholson are reneging on that now, and as a result we are contesting them,” he said, adding that he was going to “fight for what was initially offered”.

He said he believed the council had a “good relationship” with Crest Nicholson and said: “This is the first time in eight years since it was approved in 2008 that I have had cause to put up my hands and say, ‘no, that’s not good enough’.”

Council officers have said the loss of the walkway was “regrettable” but not worthy of planning refusal.

A spokesman for the developer said the change was being made due to a number of factors, “including but not limited to the restricted footprint of the building, creation of essential refuse storage areas and the potential impact on existing and local residents the decision was taken to update the plans and focus on residential units”.

Earlier this year the Daily Echo revealed that Morrisons had pulled out of opening a new store in the heart of the development, and the spokesman added: “As a priority, we are now working closely with the local council and Morrisons, as the owner of the store, to source an alternative occupier as soon as possible.”