THE body charged with conserving and enhancing the North York Moors is set to agree a framework to disperse funding to help offset the impact of a controversial polyhalite mine in the national park.

Members of the North York Moors National Park Authority are set to consider how the annual payment of £50,000 from mining firm Sirius Minerals should be distributed until about 2027.

Ahead of the mine, near Whitby, being granted planning permission, objectors claimed it would affect the park’s unique landscapes and tourism industry.

In general, awards will not be expected to exceed £25,000 and priority will be given to projects that generate significant benefit to the tourism economy.

Those seeking grants will need to demonstrate their scheme increases awareness of the park and does not harm the area’s tranquillity or the natural and historic environment.

Other criteria for those wanting a grant include that the project must not disturb vulnerable or protected wildlife and that local communities relevant to the project are consulted.

Authority officers have proposed voluntary sector, trade forums and not for profit organisations and registered charities should be awarded up to 70 per cent of the cost of their schemes, while private individuals should be able to claim up to 50 per cent.