SOMERSET County Council says up to 1,000 jobs could be created in the county after planners gave the go-ahead for a massive “innovation centre” linked to the Hinkley Point C nuclear project.

The county council has been given permission to build a “Hinkley Innovation Centre” at the Bridgwater Gateway site - on land opposite The Compass Tavern pub in North Petherton.

The approval, given by Sedgemoor District Council today, will pave the way for 24,000sq ft of office space to be created for the low-carbon energy sector.

The county council says the centre will provide a space for businesses and specialist organisations to work together during the construction of Hinkley C and a base to help businesses tap into other low-carbon energy projects across the UK.

Somerset County Council deputy leader, David Hall, said: “This decision brings the creation of the Hinkley Innovation Centre a big step closer and it is absolutely fantastic news for the project and for the economy of Somerset.

“We want to capitalise on the building of the new Hinkley C reactor and the developing low carbon economy of the region. The creation of this 'Business Hub' will boost inward investment into Somerset, bringing jobs and prosperity for the people that live here.

“This announcement is extremely positive news and will assist us in our discussions with Government to secure European Regional Development Funding”.