Plans for a biomass power station in Norfolk, which it is claimed could bring up to £9m a year to the the East Anglian economy, have been approved.

Breckland Council backed the Iceni Energy scheme for the straw-powered plant to be built at Snetterton.

The firm said the power station would create 80 jobs and could help create between 500 and 1,500 jobs in the wider community by 2021.

It could provide enough energy for between 62,000 and 68,000 homes.

Andy Hilton, chief executive of Iceni Energy, said: "We are absolutely delighted with today's decision.

"As well as providing jobs... the plant will unlock Breckland Council's plans to double the 30 hectares of business and light industry by providing the grid connection infrastructure required."

Work on the plant is due to start in Spring 2013 and take about two and a half years.