Bridgwater Bay is now “very much in the plans” of consultants involved in Bristol Channel energy-generating tidal lagoon schemes, a spokesman said this week.

A Government-sponsored review of the £1.3 billion Swansea tidal lagoon project by former Energy Minister Charles Hendry reported that the scheme would make a “strong contribution” to the UK’s energy supply and unlock a range of significant economic opportunities” .

Now, an area of the Bristol Channel from Minehead to Brean Down has been earmarked for possible future tidal generation, according to Lisa Jenkins of Gloucester-based consultants Tidal Lagoon Power.

In a report, the consultants said: “We have completed a first phase of work including meetings with over 100 stakeholders to develop our thinking and assess the feasibility of a lagoon on the site.

“We are confident that a thoughtfully designed lagoon in Bridgwater Bay could be a significant addition to the region.”

Welcoming the findings of the Hendry review as “a significant step forward”, Somerset County Council deputy leader Cllr David Hall said: “A key part of our vision for Somerset is to be at the heart of discussions about solar power and tidal lagoons and make sure we are in the vanguard of developments.”

Further support for a Bridgwater Bay project came from local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, who said: “The Bristol Channel has been earmarked for some form of tidal power generation since the 1950s.

“But this report really puts some flesh on the bones of the idea and makes it quite clear that a tidal barrage is feasible, affordable and desirable."