A REPLICA of one of the largest waterwheels in the UK could be installed as part of an historic mill restoration project.
It is thought the 1832 built Manor Mill at Kirkburton once housed the biggest waterwheel on mainland Britain.
The 19th century building still contains one original mill stone and milling machinery, but five milling stones and the iron waterwheel are thought to have been removed during the Second World War.
Now an ambitious scheme to reinstate it has been hatched by a local man, who intends to revamp the three-story mill as a family home.
The owner, who purchased the property in 2009, has vowed to work with English Heritage and other conservation groups to preserve its character.
He says if given planning permission he will commission a replica of the original 55ft wide waterwheel and allow access to the building to interested groups of the general public but intends keeping a low profile up to that point.
A statement submitted to Kirklees Council planners says: “The applicant understand his role is one of custodian of heritage and landscape assets which have a value on society as a whole.
“In this regard the applicant will be entering into a partnership with local authority and central government conservation experts to ensure that the proposed works respond to this unique design challenge.”
It continues: “The applicant is committed to funding the long-term future of this unique heritage asset and its magnificent setting.”
Documents submitted to the Council show the applicant intends to retain all the original listed features and machinery.
The water feature could be used to create a small hydroelectric generating plant to power the property.
Alongside the restoration of the mill an “earth sheltered” house that would not be visible from outside the site would be built as a family home.
Underground parking for the annex would also conceal vehicles from view.
Kirklees Council planners are currently reviewing the application.
