Hartlepool Power Station is expected to figure on the list of current sites to be redeveloped, in a bid to extend the lifespan of the station.

The current site, in Tees Road, is due to be decomissioned in 2014, but after the Government-approved plans to go ahead with new-builds, that could be extended by a further 10 years.

Any redevelopment work could create up to 3,000 new jobs to go alongside the 700 already employed by British Energy at Hartlepool, while those in favour of the scheme claim "millions of pounds" would be pumped back into the local economy.

Campaigners have already hit out at the proposals and urged a re-think, but Mr Wright claims "the silent majority" are in favour of redevelopment.

Mr Wright has challenged opponents to think of ways to combat the problems which would develop from not having the new-builds.

He asked how rising electricity bills and reliance on Russia for energy would be cut without the move.

He said: "I have spoken to people and I think the town is sensible. The town is coming from the view of how do we keep our lights on? How do we stop 20 per cent increases in gas bills and how do we stop being at the mercy of Russia?

"Nuclear will cut greenhouse gases. We need a diverse range of energy sources, given people's concerns about greenhouse gases and rising energy bills.

"The Government said nuclear has to be part of a mix of energy and are planning to treble renewable energy as well.

"People against nuclear need to stop saying no and give me some positive feedback, and come up with their own solutions.

The Government's approval has opened the door for private investors to make known their interest in helping to fund the new-builds.