CONTROVERSIAL plans for a hydro electric turbine opposite Salts Mill will feature in two public consultations run by Bradford Council later this month.

The council is asking people for their views on a proposed renewable energy scheme at Saltaire using the same weir Titus Salt modified to harness the power of the river Aire to drive his mill machines.

Bradford Council has developed a proposal to install a hydro electric turbine into the river bank opposite Salt's Mill.

The water power plant will continue a legacy of drawing power from the river which began in the 15th century.

Although costings at the moment have not been finalised because of variables in construction methods and the future income from sale of the electricity generated, estimates suggest that the cost will be between £1 million and £1.2 million, which will be recuperated in around nine to 12 years.

As well as providing renewable energy, the hydro electric plan will also provide an educational resource, incorporates a 'fish ladder' and will improve the river bank in the area.

Extra care will be taken in the construction and operational stages to ensure than there are no adverse environmental impacts of the project.

Bradford Council has been consulting with as many people and organisations as possible about the project to make sure they have a comprehensive input to the project.

These include English Heritage, UNESCO, the Environment Agency, West Yorkshire Archaeology Service and local community organisations.

However objections have already been raised by Saltaire Village Society and other local groups.

In order to ensure all opinions are taken into account, two public consultations are taking place at Shipley Library.

The first is on Friday, October 17 between 12noon and 5pm, and on Saturday, October 18 between 2pm and 4.30pm.

People are invited to meet the project team working on the design, look at the updated plans and suggest ideas to make the project even better.

Coun Andrew Thornton, Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Sustainability, said: "We are nearing the final stages of developing this project and hope people will take part in the consultation and help us to make sure we create the best possible project.”

More information on the project is available here.