Plans for Teddington’s Ham Hydro were approved at a planning meeting on Wednesday, despite opposition from more than 1,300 who signed an online petition.

Proposals to demolish a section of the weir at Teddington Lock and install three archimedean screw turbines to generate hydro electricity were met with support and resistance in equal measure.

The initiative, which will be the largest of its kind in the UK, received backing across the political spectrum and was referred to as “well thought out” by Green Party peer Baroness Jenny Jones, but faced opposition from residents and businesses concerned about more noise and a flooding risk.

The nearby Lensbury Club has previously threatened legal action against the plans, claiming noise would spell an end to its lucrative summer wedding business.

The planning committee approved the scheme with seven votes to two, and David Dechambeau of South East Power Engineering issued assurances to those at the meeting about the noise.

He said: “I know we have built turbines that you simply cannot hear a few paces away.

“I would be surprised if you could hear the generators standing on the walkway, they will be that quiet.”

Councillor for Hampton Wick Tony Arbour was sceptical, however, and said: “It will be too late to enforce noise conditions after the thing has been put up.”

Sue Conder, of Broom Water West, helped organise the online petition and said the group wanted a scheme supported by the community and not a “white elephant” on the river for the next 20 years.