A HYDROELECTRIC scheme at a North-East reservoir, which would generate enough energy to power up to 750 homes, has been given the go-ahead.

In a behind-closed-doors meeting this week, councillors approved plans for the £2m scheme, at Selset Reservoir, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, which would see a 750-kilowatt plant installed.

The reservoir, one of five in Teesdale, is operated by Northumbrian Water, which let npower renewables explore the possibility of a hydro scheme after winning a tender.

The two companies already run a successful larger hydroelectric scheme at Kielder Reservoir, in Northumberland.

Sarah Cane, project manager, from npower renewables, said last night: "We are delighted by the decision and would thank Teesdale District Council for taking this positive step towards a greener Teesdale.

"The project will power hundreds of local homes and will offset the release of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, making an important contribution towards tackling climate change."

Two existing pipes would be used to harness the energy in the water at Selset. The water would flow through the pipes at high pressure, which in turn would rotate a turbine attached to a generator in the powerhouse. The electricity would then be fed into the grid.

Councillor Phil Hughes, chairman of the district council's planning committee, said: "Recent press has shown that we have got a very high carbon footprint here in Teesdale.

"So that makes renewable energy particularly important, and we hope this scheme will be the first of many in Teesdale.

"It is using a resource which is in plentiful supply and we should take advantage.

"The impact on Selset itself will be minimal, there will only be a small control cabin which will be visible."

Cara Hall, from Northumbrian Water, said: "We are very pleased with the decision to grant planning permission.

"It's everybody's responsibility to face the challenge of climate change, from individuals up to big companies such as Northumbrian Water. This is one way in which we are adapting to climate change and helping reduce the carbon footprint in Teesdale."

The council has also recently given permission for a much smaller 50kw water turbine at a house in Brignall, near the North Yorkshire border.