AMBITIOUS plans for a tidal lagoon off Minehead took a step closer to reality this week when the Government gave the go-ahead for the world's first tidal lagoon just across the Bristol Channel in Swansea Bay.

Tidal Lagoon Power, the company behind the Swansea scheme, recently held a public meeting in Minehead having previously spoken to civic leaders and local organisations about their plans.

As well as Swansea Bay, the company is keen to build lagoons in five other areas along the west coast of the UK to harness tidal power.

A consortium of Minehead businessman known as LongBay SeaPower is also working on separate plans for a £2.4 billion tidal lagoon between Minehead and West Quantoxhead.

But before any work can begin in Swansea Bay, Tidal Lagoon Power will first have to negotiate a subsidy deal with the Government for the price it will receive for any energy generated.

Because tidal lagoon technology is still relatively new, the Swansea proposal has sparked concerns about the impact on the environment, birds and migratory fish, with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds saying it was important that renewable energy worked in harmony with nature.

Mark Robins, senior policy officer for the charity, said: "The green light for this scheme should not be seen as opening the floodgates to multiple similar schemes on the estuary that, cumulatively, could be hugely damaging to this precious and valuable place.

"The Severn Estuary is a vital part of a European-wide network of wildlife sites; a crucial staging post for migratory birds and fish."

But not-for-profit renewable energy company Regen SW, which works with local authorities and community groups, welcomed the Department of Energy and Climate Change's decision to grant planning permission.

Director Johnny Gowdy said: "Government support is still needed for the project to reach financial close but, if built, the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon will be a pathfinder project which could create opportunities for further tidal range projects around the UK, including South West England.

"These schemes will contribute to our long-term energy needs and deliver wider economic benefits to the UK economy."

Announcing the approval, Energy Minister Lord Bourne said: "We need more clean and home-grown sources of energy, which will help to reduce our reliance on foreign fossil fuels.

"Low carbon energy projects like the tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay could bring investment, support local jobs and help contribute to the Welsh economy and Swansea area."