Anglers blast plan for weir turbine

Bradford Council is looking to develop the project which would utilise the flow of the River Aire at Saltaire weir to generate enough electricity for 112 homes a year.

But the scheme has attracted criticism from Saltaire Angling Association, which has almost 400 members.

Several members met with a council officer on Wednesday to share their concerns.

David Brazendale, of Saltaire Angling Association, said: “We are concerned that spawning ground will be disrupted or destroyed.

“By putting a turbine in you are doing engineering on the weir. That changes the structure of the ground immediately downstream of the river for up to 30 metres.

“We are not sure how much habitat there is for the fish, in particular barbel, but barbel have been observed spawning just before the beginning of the fishing season in early June.

“The condition of the river has been dreadful in the past and is slowly improving.”

There are fears that the feeding habits of the fish will be disturbed and that the scheme could disrupt fish populations as well as threaten eels. The association is also keen to protect access to fishing areas.

Mr Brazendale said: “Pollutants are retained behind a weir. If you disturb a weir the pollutants are released suddenly and that can have a serious effect on the whole river habitat. All flora and fauna can be badly affected with sudden change. We are not against green energy. We think the cost is too high at the present time.”

The proposed small-scale hydro-power turbine would be located next to Saltaire weir in Roberts Park.

A report for members of the Shipley Area Committee, which meets on Wednesday, says there are concerns the scheme would impact on the view from the park across the weir.

According to the report the size of the scheme has been reduced by half.

It says: “New designs have much reduced structure height and width reducing size by around 50 per cent.”

According to the report Bradford No 1 Fishing Club has not raised any concerns with the council.

Officers began to investigate the feasibility of a hydro scheme in spring 2012.

The cost of building and operating the hydro over the first 20 years would be £1.22m. The profit after 20 years is expected to be £1.8m.

The report says: “This is a proposal for a highly sustainable scheme that provides a deep green energy solution and proves that these can be delivered sympathetically in a world heritage location.

“Over the minimum 40 year life of the scheme there will be a saving of 8013 tonnes of carbon emissions from electricity production.”

Neil Morrison, Bradford Council’s energy management officer, said: “We have been holding meetings with various interested parties, including the Saltaire Angling Association, so we can properly be informed of, and take into consideration any detailed concerns they have about the scheme.

“We are continuing with thorough ecological and heritage assessments prior to seeking planning approval. Public consultation will continue through every stage of the process.”