Under new plans, the proposed power station at Hunterston in North Ayrshire will now tower 200m above the countryside after developers Ayrshire Power said that an extra 45m section would have to be added to its chimney to ensure there are no "unacceptable public health or environmental impacts".

The project has attracted widespread opposition from local groups as well as wildlife and environmental campaigners, who have said they will continue to fight the development.

Original plans for the £3billion plant had to be redrawn after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency raised concerns about air quality at the site.

The new blueprints will now go out to public consultation for 28 days, giving all interested parties the chance to raise their concerns. A previous consultation on the initial plans attracted more than 5000 submissions, most of which are believed to have been objections. Those opposed have said they will be quick to register their displeasure a second time.

Rita Holmes, secretary of the Community Council in nearby Fairlie, said: "This part of the River Clyde is such a beautiful part of the countryside, and this plant will be a blot on the landscape which will be visible for miles around."

Ayrshire Power is a subsidiary company set up by Clydeport's owners Peel Holdings, which is providing financing for the scheme.

The developer says the new plant could generate enough electricity to meet the needs of up to three million homes, and could create more than 1500 jobs during its construction and around 150 full-time staff once it is up and running.

Muir Miller, project director at Ayrshire Power, said: "Publication of the addendum to our application is the latest stage in moving the Hunterston project forward and we look forward to outlining our plans in detail to interested parties at the forthcoming public exhibitions."