CAMPAIGNERS have accused the firm behind plans for a controversial power plant in Southampton of “running scared” after it handed another chance to people to have their say.

Helius Energy wants to build a 100 megawatt wood-fired power station in the Western Docks, near Millbrook railway station.

But its proposals have sparked fierce opposition from nearby residents who have handed a 3,602-strong petition to the city’s planning boss.

Helius announced yesterday it would be holding another public consultation in response to the “high level of public interest” in the £300m scheme.

The firm had already said it was going to downsize the design, which includes a 100m high chimney stack, to allay concerns about its visual impact. It promised a “landmark architectural scheme that Southampton can be proud of”.

The new round of consultation on amended plans will take place in the summer.

Helius said it would review the “siting, form and external appearance” of the power plant and update its assessments of the likely impact on air quality, noise levels and traffic. But director of planning Paul Brighton said the location would be the same.

Eloisa Gil-Arranz, from the No Southampton Biomass group, said it showed Helius was “running scared”.

“We’re pleased they have acknowledged the public consultation is not up to scratch and they are going to look at it again.

“It’s a real sign the campaign is having an impact and a step in the right direction but we are going to keep on campaigning to stop it.”

The power plant, earmarked for land owned by Associated British Ports, would generate electricity for 200,000 homes.

Helius said it would create up to 450 jobs during construction and about 40 permanent fulltime jobs.

The firm had intended to submit a planning application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) as early as next month but this will now be put back.

The power plant plans have been seized upon by council candidates in the local election campaign.

Some Tories initially backed it but are now campaigning against it.

Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, said the proposals were “unworkable”.

New Forest District Council voted to raise concerns about the visual impact of the plant describing it as “horrendous”.

Residents have held two public protests against the scheme.