A BID to create a hydropower plant on a river in the region and sell electricity to the National Grid has prompted protests from canoeists.

They are objecting to plans by a farming family to divert water from the River Ouse at Linton Lock, Nun Monkton, near York, through a turbine and generate up to 450 kilowatts of electricity. The site is alongside Widdington Grange Farm, which is farmed by the Throup family.

A planning application has been tabled with Harrogate Borough Council by JR and K Throup for the scheme. It will be considered by councillors at a meeting in Knaresborough on Tuesday.

The development is recommended for approval by planning officer Neville Watson, provided there are no major objections from consultees and a compromise being reached on problems raised by canoeists.

The British Canoe Union has objected, saying that the development would have an adverse impact on a fish ladder which they use for white water canoeing.

Linton Parish Council has expressed concern about conflict with river recreation and difficulty over boat movements. Parish councillors are also concerned that the issue of boat moorings has not been raised.