OWNERS of a Weardale caravan park have applied for planning permission to use a neighbouring burn to provide power for the site and a possible extension.
Kathleen Daly, owner of the Cragside Caravan Park in Eastgate, is seeking approval from Durham County Council’s planning department to install a hydro-electric scheme in Rookhope Burn.
A report prepared for the applicant by Sedgefield-based Bluenergy (CORR) said the system would provide enough energy for the existing site and an extension.
The report said the scheme would also be a boost for County Durham’s aim to promote green tourism.
Surplus power would be sold to generate further funds for the site.
Water would be channelled from a series of waterfalls along the burn, which is a tributary for the River Wear, and pushed through turbines to generate electricity.
Bluenergy, who are based at Netpark, said the hydroscheme would generate between 24kw and 39kw on average and have an efficiency of 65 per cent.
A survey found a population of trout in the burn but measures would be taken to protect the fish while the four-month build would occur outside of spawning seasons, the report said.
For more information or to comment on the plans visit durham.gov.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here