Water wheel project dubbed ‘in keeping with tradition’

Sheffield Renewables, the group also behind a hydropower project further up the River Don at Jordan Dam, has been drawing up plans for the water wheel project for months and has now submitted them to Sheffield Council.

Planning permission for the scheme will be decided at a meeting on Monday, January 16.

If given the go-ahead, the wheel will be built in a former water wheel pit in Alma Street.

More than 25 people have written in support of the project, saying that the water wheel “will become a landmark for the area.”

Further support has come from Sheffield’s Green Party leader Coun Jillian Creasy, who says that the project is “in keeping with tradition.”

However, 10 letters of objection have also been submitted, with opponents claiming noise levels would be “unacceptable.”

Rob Pilling, managing director of Sheffield Renewables, said: ”Kelham Island Hydro will bring an iconic renewable energy scheme to this popular site in the heart of the city.

“Alongside generating clean energy, it will be an inspiring attraction.”

Meanwhile, funds are still being raised for the proposed scheme at Jordan Dam.