PLANS for an hydroelectric power plant in Sandford-on-Thames have been approved by Vale of White Horse District Council.

At a planning meeting on Wednesday night, councillors unanimously granted permission for three Andritz Archimedean screw turbines on the River Thames at Sandford Weir.

Villagers want to build the £3m power plant, which they say could generate enough power for more than 400 homes.

They have received help from Oxford’s Low Carbon Hub to raise the £3m needed by offering people the chance to buy shares in the scheme.

Like a similar scheme at Osney and one planned for Abingdon, the facility would use Archimedes screws to power a turbine.

At the planning meeting, Kennington councillor Bob Johnston said : “This is a good sustainable scheme and I am all in favour of green electricity.”

Also at the meeting, King Alfred’s School, in Wantage, was unanimously granted planning permission for a two-story, L-shaped science block .

Simon Spiers, executive headteacher of Vale Academy Trust, said: “ This is all about the long-term vision and this is the next step. The science block will help the school provide outstanding education to the people of the town and attract a higher quality of staff.”

Plans for the Wantage Lawn Tennis Club to have four new tennis courts and a pavilion were also passed.