Solar power project cash.

MILLIONS of pounds are being pumped into a scheme to create the UK's largest solarpowered housing project on Tyneside.

If rubber-stamped, the new pounds 3m housing development, in the Frederick Street area of South Shields, would become the biggest domestic sustainable heating project in the country.

The plans are part of a regeneration project which involves building 21 homes - all heated entirely by sustainable energy.

In addition, the new houses will contain the UK''s largest array of solar panels.

They will generate enough electricity for all the homes and even supply enough power for other South Tyneside homes.

Council chiefs said the development is part of a bigger regeneration project and this week key people from the partners met to discuss the plans.

Residents are being consulted on the plans, and it is expected planning permission will be considered by South Tyneside Council next month.