Member Article

Carbon neutral development: Garnett Wharfe’s hydroelectric facility

Garnett Wharfe, a pioneering David Wilson Homes development regenerating a derelict paper mill site in Otley, is progressing work on its brand new hydroelectric turbine, which will generate electricity from the river weir, making the development carbon neutral on an offset basis.

The new facility is the latest in a host of environmental initiatives at Garnett Wharfe, which also includes an otter holt, bat chamber and a fish pass to help protect local wildlife.

Work on the new turbine commenced in November 2015, and now contractors, Eric Wright Civil Engineering and Lowwood Products have installed a sheet piling cofferdam around the working area to keep out the river. The overall height is restricted to ensure that flood risk isn’t transferred to the surrounding properties, meaning that occasionally the water will overtop the cofferdam. This is accepted and managed so that work can continue as soon as water levels subside. Photographs of the work show the concrete base on which reinforcement is being placed for the floor slab retaining walls and fish pass. The project is expected to be complete later this year.

Dave Hudson, Technical Director at David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West, commented:

“Garnett Wharfe is providing a new blueprint for the regeneration of brownfield land and we’re very proud of the work we’re putting in to ensure the site is carbon neutral on an offset basis. As well as homes, the development will include offices, a visitor centre and a much loved local restaurant, Buon Apps, building on facilities within the community of Otley.”

Garnett Wharfe is a beautiful collection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes set along the southern side of the river Wharfe, located in a truly picturesque setting. Prices start at £209,995.

Garnett Wharf has received investment through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) loan fund. The fund is available to support capital projects, focusing particularly on infrastructure.

For more information on David Wilson Homes, please visit: www.dwh.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .