The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) agreed to the controversial proposal, which scientists say will pave the way for therapies for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The positive decision from the HFEA means applications from scientists at King's College London and Newcastle University can now be appraised by a licence committee, probably in November.

A consultation paper published by the HFEA earlier this week showed that the public was mostly "at ease" with the proposals once the full research implications had been explained.

Researchers want to create hybrid embryos known as cytoplasmic embryos by merging human cells with animal eggs.

In May, the Government published the Human Tissue and Embryos Bill, which proposed a regulation-making power that could lead to the creation of cytoplasmic embryos.

Such embryos are more than 99% human, with an animal component representing around 0.1%. The embryos are made using eggs from rabbits or cows and genetic material from human donors.

Scientists say they could provide them with a plentiful supply of stem cells for studies into new treatments.

The research involves transferring nuclei containing DNA from human cells, such as skin cells, to animal eggs that have had almost all their genetic information removed.

Some religious and pro-life groups have objected to the proposals. Some opposed mixing human and animal material on ethical grounds while others disagree with creating embryos that are destined to be destroyed.