COUNCILLORS who gave approval for a controversial hydro-electricity power station on the River Ouse may have to reconsider the application.

Members of a Harrogate Borough Council area planning committee had given approval for development alongside a salmon ladder at Nun Monkton, voting 9-0 in favour of the scheme.

Following the decision, a legal representative of objectors told the council that the previously Grade Two listed salmon ladder had just been upgraded to a Grade Two Star listed structure. Planners were told that the upgrading had been granted by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Planning committee chairman Councillor John Smith said news of the upgrade in status had come as something of a shock after councillors had voted approval of plans.

After the meeting, planning officer Neville Watson said the decision had been put on hold and would not be officially issued until matters had been clarified.

Mr Watson said they had not needed to consult English Heritage for a Grade Two listed structure, but they would have to do so for Grade Two Star listed status.

Mr Watson had recommended approval but the scheme faced objections from Hambleton Council, which represents land on the opposite river bank.

There were strong objections from Linton-on-Ouse and Newton- on-Ouse parish councils.

Newton council said a retaining wall adjoining the salmon ladder would have a detrimental impact.

Mr Watson said the development did not conflict with his council's policy. He believed it would have no adverse impact on the listed building or its wider setting.

An inlet channel will be built into the river bank to carry water to the turbine for generation.