REVISED designs of a hydro-electric scheme proposed for the River Thames in Oxford have gone on show.

West Oxford Community Renewables had submitted plans for a £500,000 micro-hydro generator and information centre next to Osney Lock but was forced to revise them due to concerns over trees.

Oxford City Council’s tree officer said the proposal could impact on an exotic 60ft Himalayan cedar tree, so suggested it be chopped down and new trees planted.

Some residents said the scheme was not worth losing the tree, but those attending Saturday’s meeting at West Oxford Community Centre in Botley Road appeared largely in favour.

Tim Treacher, 73, of Western Road, said: “I’m generally interested in reducing problems of climate change and am therefore very interested in seeing exactly what the problem is that has arisen with this application, which looked to be straightforward.

“My immediate thought is why the tree has to go first.

“I would have thought if the worry is they may damage the roots doing the job, it would be better to do the job, see what the root problems are and then, if necessary, remove the tree and sort it all out.”

Mr Treacher is a member of the renewables community group.

David Ellis, from Bridge Street, said: “I think the proposal is excellent.

“I think these non-native species of trees are flavour of the month, but I haven’t got an issue with it.”

Ruth Finar, director of West Oxford Community Renewables, said the group was aware of the concerns raised by some residents about the cedar tree.

She said: “We want to be completely transparent to them in terms of what our intentions are and what conditions the council is making, and we are taking the opportunity to consult people on the landscaping of the rest of the development.

“We want people to have a say.”

Electricity generated from the Thames is expected to power 50 homes. The visitor centre roof would be covered in solar panels, which could be transparent, allowing natural light to go through.

Architect David Hammond said: “We hope to make it a nice space for people to stop off as they go up and down the towpath.

“It’s a great opportunity because at the moment nobody uses it.”

The group behind the proposals is working with the Environment Agency, which is planning to replace the gates at the lock.

If planning permission is granted and funding is in place, the power plant could be operational by September or October.

Funding will come partly through people within the community buying shares, partly through grant funding still to be secured and partly through a loan.