COUNCIL leaders have vowed to fight controversial plans to build a £300m power station in the heart of Southampton.

The imposing wood-fired facility at Western Docks would dominate the skyline, with a 100- metre chimney looming over thousands of homes.

As reported, more than 200 angry residents last week attended a meeting to draw up an action plan to fight the scheme.

Now the leader of Southampton City Council has told the Daily Echo the ruling Tories will oppose developer Helius Energy’s proposals. Councillor Royston Smith said he shares residents’ concerns that the huge plant is not suitable for the area.

Campaigners who have formed an action group to fight the “monstrosity” last night welcomed his opposition as a significant step in their battle, but vowed to keep up the pressure.

They are worried about pollution and noise from the plant, as well as questioning the scheme’s green credentials.

The decision on whether the scheme can go ahead will be made by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), but the council will be invited to give its opinions.

Cllr Smith said: “I have reviewed these proposals in detail and I share the concerns of residents.

We will oppose the plans if they are submitted.

“The public has reacted passionately about this issue and I completely understand why.

“Green energy creation and jobs for local people could be good if done in the right way.

“However, in this instance we agree with residents that the current proposals would not be suitable for this area – particularly for those residents living close to the development site.

“The national Infrastructure Planning Commission will eventually make the decision on whether to grant Helius Energy planning permission.

“Before any formal application is submitted the council will be asked for its views and I can assure our residents that, in their current format, the council will not be supporting these initial proposals.”

The plant would create enough electricity to power 200,000 homes and would be fed by up to 800,000 tonnes of fuel, mostly wood.

Helius said that the artist’s impressions represent a “worst-case” scenario of its size and appearance, and said it is committed to creating a landmark for the city. Planning director Paul Brighton said: “We want to create an attractive architectural building that people can take pride in and that becomes part of Southampton.”

Members of the recently formed No Southampton Biomass group said they were “very pleased” with Cllr Smith’s intervention. The group said in a statement: “However we are very aware this is just a small victory. We must maintain momentum in putting pressure on Helius to withdraw and the IPC to ultimately reject the plans.

“With the growing support of the community we will keep working to oppose these plans and build a Southampton we can all be truly proud of.”