NEW proposals for a tidal lagoon off the West Somerset coast have been welcomed by MP Rachel Gilmour.

A team which includes London Eye and Brighton i360 observation tower architect Julia Barfield has floated plans costed at £11 billion.

They want to build a 14-mile tidal barrier arcing from Minehead to Watchet with 125 underwater turbines driven by the Bristol Channel tidal range, the second highest in the world.

The lagoon would create a maximum 2.5GW electricity output which could power up to two million homes.

The plans include a walking and cycling track along the top of the curved barrier, a 300-berth watersports marina, a lido, and an observation tower.

The team said there was also potential for businesses to grow oysters and mussels, for floating solar panel arrays, and a coastal amphitheatre to boost the local economy.

Artificial intelligence datacentres could also be installed in the barrier to take advantage of cooling by sea water.

Mrs Gilmour, who said she had supported tidal power since before becoming an MP, said it was an ‘exciting project’ which would be ‘an absolute game changer’ producing clean energy for generations, growing the economy and creating many jobs in an area too often forgotten about by the Government.

She said: “Julia Barfield’s involvement is a major boost and raises the profile of this project significantly.

“With somebody of her calibre leading on design, I have every confidence this will be a roaring success and utterly iconic.

“The Government have signalled a clear commitment to clean energy, and the West Somerset Lagoon fits perfectly within that picture.

“I look forward to working with Government officials to discuss these plans and get the ball rolling in the New Year.

“This is the year to get this project off the ground and bring tidal energy to the Bristol Channel.”