A PLAN to install a hydro-electricity turbine on the River Walkham near Yelverton has been recommended for approval by officers from Dartmoor National Park Authority.

Renewable energy firm CGO of Newton Abbot is proposing to construct a 100-kilowatt turbine at Huckworthy Mill, Sampford Spiney utilising the existing leat.

The turbine will generate electricity for the National Grid, enough to power 50 homes.

Officers have recommended approval is granted with the condition that it is not operational until the fish pass has been constructed at the weir.

Burrator Parish Council has recommended support of the plan but without the fish pass, and West Devon Borough Council and the Environment Agency have no objections to the whole plan.

CGO wants to re-open an old, disused leat to transport water from a weir, downstream to a hydro-electric turbine. It says the turbine will 'hardly be noticed' once it was up and running.

But there has been some opposition to the scheme from those who fear it will further damage the declining fish population in the area, have an adverse effect on local wildlife and the natural environment and will destroy the remains of an ancient stone weir.

The meeting of Dartmoor National Park's Development Management Committee where the plan will be discussed takes place tomorrow (Friday).