Plans to build a hydropower turbine at Saltaire Weir were shown to the public yesterday at a consultation event for the £1.22 million proposed scheme.

Officers from Bradford Council’s climate change unit were at Saltaire United Reformed Church to answer questions from residents on the proposals, which would see power from the flow of the River Aire harnessed to generate 371,000 kWh a year of electricity.

The plans were welcomed by Andy Brown, director of environmental group Sustainable Saltaire, which is considering a similar scheme for Hirst Mill Weir in Shipley.

He said: “We think the efforts of the Council are very positive for Saltaire. It’s very good we have got a council supportive of renewable energy. There are obviously sensitivities with this proposal but most people will agree it’s a positive step, especially the fact it would be funded by the Council.

“There’s a great interest in this sort of initiative in Saltaire. I think Bradford’s making great efforts to reduce carbon reduction.”

Saltaire resident Matthew Sutcliffe said: “It looks good. We have got to start going in this direction. There are a few concerns as to noise and I am not sure about the impact on the look of Roberts Park. This is the general way we have got to be heading, using natural resources.”

Doreen Morris, of Baildon, who is a member of the church, said: “I think it’s a very good idea. I am very much in favour of green energy. I don’t think it’s detrimental in any way, if it’s carried out as it is presented in the plans.”

The proposals include installing an Archimedes Screw-type turbine and fish pass in the bank next to the Roberts Park side of the weir, down-stream of the footbridge.

The Council estimates profit from feed-in tariffs for renewable energy will total £1.8 million during the first 20 years of the scheme.

Energy management officer Neill Morrison said: “We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from people we have spoken to in the village.

This event is to try and address people’s concerns and to let them know what we plan to do. We have tried to minimise the impact as much as possible.”

Councillor Andrew Thornton, the Council’s executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, said: “This is an opportunity to revive the weir in a manner in keeping with its historical surroundings.”