Hydroelectric plans submitted

Plans have been submitted for a new hydroelectric power scheme in North Yorkshire that would be capable of providing power for more than 300 homes.Renewables First has submitted an application to City of York Council for the hydroelectric scheme, and associated infrastructure, at Naburn Weir, near York.The proposed development would generate a peak power output of less than 500kW and an average annual energy production of 1.2 GWh, sufficient to power about 310 UK homes.The proposal comprises two turbines, a fish pass, turbine house building, hydraulic channels, trash screening and access improvements.Naburn Weir was constructed in the mid-18th century and a water-mill was first built on the site in the 1810s and was used for the milling of corn, flint and stone. The mill fell into disuse and was demolished in 1958.A single-storey ‘banqueting house’ is located adjacent to the locks and this was sold for residential development in 2017.