New doubts have been placed on the future of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment following an objection from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The surprise came in the form of a letter to Wandsworth Council, which is currently receiving reponses to a detailed planning application for the site, recently submitted by the power station developer, Parkview.

The HSE objects to the proximity of the development to a large gasometer, in Prince of Wales Drive.

The letter stated: "The possibility remains that a major accident could occur. HSE's advice is that there are sufficient reasons, on safety grounds, for advising against the granting of planning permission."

Critic of Parkview Keith Garner, of the Battersea Power Station Community Group, believes the letter, the latest in a long line of problems to beset the project, could spell the end for the proposed redevelopment. He said: "It seems to all be falling apart."

But both Parkview and the council are surprised at the objection, which represents a u-turn by the HSE.

When an earlier application for the power station was previously submitted, the HSE gave its consent.

In a letter dated August 17, 2004, it wrote: "The likelihood of a major accident occurring is small. The HSE concludes that the risk of harm to people at the proposed developments would be sufficiently low that it does not wish to advise against the granting of planning permission on grounds of safety."

As such the council and Parkview are content the problem can be overcome. However, if permission is granted against the HSE's advice, then it will have 21 days' notice during which it can call in the secretary of state to make a judgement.

A council spokesman said: "The gasometer has always been there and the original comment didn't see a problem with it so we're all a bit surprised. It's not a problem that can't be overcome by getting all the parties involved round the table."

Ian Rumgay, of Parkview, said: "Given that the HSE did not object to the masterplan, which included all buildings in its present location; that the HSE previously withdrew an objection to the planning application for the upgrade of Battersea Park railway station; and that new offices and residential have recently been permitted much closer to the gasometers; we are assuming that this is just a matter of process which the council will resolve in due time."