A HAMPSHIRE MP has added to more than 400 objections against plans for a power station in the countryside.

Proposals were submitted last summer to build a gas-powered power station on land next to Locks Farm in Botley Road, Bishop’s Waltham. If approved, it would act as standby facility for the next 25 years.

Now Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery has registered his concerns over the scheme.

In a letter to Winchester City Council planners, the MP said he had “deep concerns” over the accuracy of some data providedby agents Enzygo.

He added: “They raise particular worries about the accuracy of the noise assessment... the process of acoustic testing in this case has clearly been flawed.”

Among the other objectors to the scheme are climate change activists WinACC and Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council.

A spokesman for WinACC added: “While acknowledging the need for flexible generation of electricity in future to balance the grid, we conclude that the operation of the proposed plant for up to 13 hours/day will supply electricity with an unnecessarily high overhead in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Other less-polluting alternatives such as combined cycle gas turbines, combined heat and power plants, and storage in batteries already, or will soon, exist.”

A Facebook group has also been set up to fight the plans, with more than 300 backing it.

In the application, environmental consultants Enzygo say the proposed facility will “contribute to providing a key source of flexibility to help address some of the challenges associated with the transition to a low-carbon electricity sector”.

They added: “The facility will respond to calls from National Grid when energy demand outstrips supply.

“By being able to generate energy immediately and for a short length of time, the development will help the energy sector cope with the peaks in demand for energy they face on a daily basis.”

The application has so far received two letters of support from Bishop’s Waltham residents.

Leslie Youles, of Tangier Lane, said: “It appears to offer a much needed amenity with minimal negative impact on the surrounding area.

“I hope to be moving to a new housing development relatively close to the proposed facility, so will be one of the nearest neighbours, and can see no reason why it should be refused.”

It is not clear when a decision is expected, although the plans are highly likely to have to go before a monthly planning committee.