A COMMUNITY initiative to generate
electricity from a water wheel at Kelham Island looks like moving forward.
Proposals to install a new wheel where
an old one used to operate off Alma Street have won the support of council
planners, despite anglers’ worries that it could disturb fish in the
River Don. Planners say there is likely to be some impact but fish and
amphibians should be able to adapt to new water levels.
They will recommend on Monday that
councillors approve an application from Sheffield Community Renewables for a
micro-hydro system that would generate electricity, either linked to the
national grid or directly to businesses such as Kelham Island Industrial Museum
or Kelham Island Brewery. Other issues include noise affecting residents of
nearby apartments but councillors are being advised that there are no major
problems with any aspect of the scheme.
The Government’s Environment Agency
is raising no objections on ecological grounds.
A council report says: “The
proposal is considered to represent a modern interpretation of a traditional
means to generate power that is reminiscent of Kelham Island’s industrial
heritage.”
Concerns are being raised by the Angling
Trust and the Don Catchment Rivers Trust but local councillor Jillian Creasy
says the scheme is in keeping with the traditions of the area.
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