Several buildings have already been demolished under the plan

The South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) which owns the 31-acre former Morlands tannery site in Glastonbury, wants a developer to build, own and run a combined heat and power recycling plant.

The plant would then supply discounted energy to future businesses locating to the site.

Gordon Woodend of the RDA said: "We want to make Morlands one of the region's finest environmentally-friendly business parks.

This is just another step on the long road to the re-emergence of this site as a power house of economic recovery Alan Gloak, Mayor of Glastonbury

"Ensuring the site is powered by sustainable energy is the first step."

There are already about 1,500 combined heat and power (CHP) plants in the UK, providing power to Buckingham Palace, the National Gallery and Harrods in London.

Ken Maddock, leader of Mendip District Council, said: "This is exciting news and takes up the views expressed in the consultation with our local residents.

"There is a thriving Green Business Club in Glastonbury with 38 members, which has been supported by the town's sustainable renewable energy programme and seven will soon receive Green Tourism Awards."

Refurbished houses

Alan Gloak, Mayor of Glastonbury said: "This is just another step on the long road to the re-emergence of this site as a power house of economic recovery for Glastonbury and Somerset."

Work on demolishing the old tannery began on 20 May.

The site is to be transformed with new roads, refurbished houses and a skateboard park.

There will also be space for small and medium-sized businesses.