The Government has given the go-ahead to build a major gas-fired power station at East Knottingley in Yorkshire that will create 1100 jobs during the peak of construction.

The Knottingley Power Project consists of a 1500 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station and associated infrastructure will be located at the site of the former Oxiris Chemical works.

The decision announced this week supports the recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate and follows an examination process which met or exceeded all the statutory timescales laid down in The Planning Act 2008.

The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Simon Ridley, said: “This is the 36th application for a nationally significant infrastructure project to be examined by The Planning Inspectorate.

“The examination, recommendation and decision have been within the statutory timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.

“Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in the 6 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.”