Plans for the construction of a low-carbon energy centre in Hull city centre have been approved.
The proposals, which were first submitted to Hull City Council late last year, involve the creation of an energy centre on the site of a car park next to Napoleons Casino & Restaurant off the A165.
The energy centre, which plans state will become “a new landmark that contributes to the city’s identity,” will be able provide the city with hot water heated from low-carbon methods. The 11m building will house water source heat pumps, a transformer, and a boiler room in addition to space for educational visits. The building will also have a distinctive 23m tall blue tower adding to the industrial look.
The application was brought before the council’s planning committee as it “constitutes a departure from the local plan” according to a planning officer attending the committee meeting who explained that the land had previously been allocated for a housing development.
There was considerable enthusiasm from committee members for the energy centre. Cllr Garreth Byrne, the chair of the committee, said the site will be “a fantastic addition to the city,” adding: “It’s going to look great.” Meanwhile, Cllr Tracey Henry said: “It takes the city to the next level of reusing energy in different ways.”
The application was overwhelmingly passed – 10 councillors voted for the plans while just one, Cllr Allen Healand, decided to abstain from the vote. Despite saying “the building looks fine,” Cllr Healand did state, “one of the things we’re desperately trying to do as a council is find brownfield sites suitable for housing and what you’ve got there is land that would be ideally suited to medium rise or low rise accommodation”.
He went on to say: “I’m not going to vote against it – but would it be better if it was built in the Wincolmlee area which is only just around the corner and free that up for housing?”
The committee heard that the energy centre will indirectly help the housing market in Hull by making energy more affordable.
The plans were approved with a number of conditions, one of which dictates that the work on the centre must begin within three years of the permission being granted.
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
