Campaigners are "over the moon" at news that plans for a "dirty" gas power station in Midsomer Norton have been put on hold. 

More than 1,800 people signed a petition urging Conrad Energy to swap the "dirty" fossil fuel for a cleaner alternative amid fears over air quality and noise. 

Bath and North East Somerset Council's decision to approve the plans prompted an outcry from opposition members and the Liberal Democrat administration alike. 

The firm confirmed this week the development had been put on hold until the spring while it investigates greener alternatives. 

Resident Abi Nimmo, who launched the petition, said, "It's been a huge eye-opener working on a campaign like this and seeing what can be done in such a short time, and I have to say a big thank you to Extinction Rebellion who worked incredibly hard.

"They were not at all as some people might imagine them to be. They're not "swampy types" – far from it – and I'm certain we got here thanks to their selfless support and determination."

Her petition called on Conrad Energy to turn its back on fossil fuels and install a battery storage plant in Midsomer Norton instead. 

Christine Brittijn, another resident, thanked the firm for "listening to us locals". 

"We accept the need for energy solutions but there is no place now for fossil fuels when there are other greener alternatives, such as battery storage," she said. 

Conrad Energy said its project would "provide flexible power to balance the local electricity network".

It chose a site between the Midsomer Enterprise Park and Welton Primary School, prompting fears about the impact on children.

Others were outraged that the council had approved the fossil fuel-burning scheme when it had promised to cut carbon emissions.

Labour councillor Grant Johnson blasted the decision as "hypocritical" and said it "flew in the face of the climate emergency declaration" the authority had declared. 

"Residents have had their voices heard with the recent petition and it looks like more sustainable options could be in the pipeline," he said. 

"Of course, the council should never have gotten itself into this situation in the first place.  Planning permission should never have been granted." 

Cllr Sarah Warren, the Lib Dem cabinet member for the climate emergency, said she was pleased the council had been able to work constructively with residents and Conrad Energy. 

Conrad Energy is now working in partnership with B&NES Council to investigate whether a greener solution for the site might be possible. 

In the meantime, development on the proposal has been suspended until the spring.