Plans to build a gas-fired power station in East Knottingley in Yorkshire has been given the go-ahead by the UK Government.

The Knottingley Power Project will feature a 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) and is expected to create around 1,000 construction jobs.

Around 50 full-time positions are also estimated to be created once the project is operational in 2018.

The power plant will generate enough electricity to supply around two million homes, according to developer Irish energy firm ESB International.

The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive Simon Ridley said: “Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in the six-month long examination.

“This, together with the certainty of knowing when a decision will be made, provides confidence in the planning process and aide the infrastructure improvements this country needs to secure its energy and future economic growth.”