French energy giant EDF's board gave the go-ahead Thursday to the building of a controversial nuclear power station in Britain which has faced fierce criticism over its £18 billion price tag, a source close to talks said.

The planned construction of two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point costing the equivalent of 21.4 billion euros ($23.8 billion) won the backing of the EDF board of directors, with 10 members voting in favour and seven against, the source said.

Ahead of the meeting, one board member had resigned, saying he disagreed with the plan, reducing to 17 the number of board members to vote on the project.