LIBERAL Democrat leader Tim Farron has given his backing to a proposal to create a tidal lagoon in West Somerset.

Mr Farron made the announcement as part of a speech to launch his part's plans for a 'green industrial revolution'.

Tidal lagoons were backed in a recent review commissioned by the government, which found a potential site could be West Somerset coastal area of the Severn Estuary from the west of Minehead to Weston-super-Mare.

The team behind the project, LongBay SeaPower say the new tidal lagoon could produce up to 4.5 GW of electricity annually, enough to power over two million homes.

They say other benefits could include flood protection, tourist and recreational facilities and other local commercial opportunities.

The plans were outlined in a broader speech criticising the Conservative government’s environmental record and setting out Liberal Democrat plans for a clean energy revolution.

“Our ambitious plan would see up to ten tidal lagoons built on Britain’s shores – including in the West Somerset coastal area," Mr Farron said.

“This would generate thousands of jobs and create opportunities for hundreds of businesses in the supply chain.

“The low carbon economy will be driven by industries worth trillions globally in the next few decades. It is a new industrial revolution.

“We can do as the Victorians did and lead it, prosper from it, and stand tall across the globe as a consequence.”

LongBay SeaPower is adamant that its proposal is superior to the plan for Swansea Bay, releasing a statement saying that if the government opts to back Swansea Bay 'it will torpedo tidal range power for years, if not decades'.

The total project would cost approximately £4 billion and build five turbines covering an area from Minehead round to Doniford Bay.

John Clyde-Smith, CEO of LongBay SeaPower said that as well as producing clean electricity, the lagoon could serve a variety of uses.

"The sea lock, allowing access for maintenance craft, could also provide entry for pleasure and fishing vessels to a deep water marina," he said.

"Within the exterior breakwater, provision could be made for a car ferry linking Minehead to Barry.

"The lagoon offers great potential for tourism, as well as serving as a storm surge and flood defence."