VILLAGERS have pledged to continue their fight to stop a farm opening a green power plant, despite suffering a major planning setback today (Tuesday, November 5).

Residents of East Hedleyhope, between Tow Law and Esh Winning, County Durham, are battling to stop WJ Drennan, owners of High Hedley Hope Farm, building an anaerobic digester capable of turning waste into power.

Although Durham County Council refused planning permission for the plant last year, Mr Drennan appealed and a Planning Inspector overturned the decision, even ruling the authority had been unreasonable and so ordering it to pay the farmer’s costs.

Today, the council’s county planning committee agreed a string of conditions attached to the development, covering HGV movements, tree planting, noise and more.

Members of the Enough: Save Our Countryside action group turned out in force at County Hall to contest the issues but the committee overwhelmingly voted against them, with only Councillor George Richardson in support.

Afterwards, Christina Stobart, from the group, said she was very disappointed and felt their points had not been listened to, but she vowed to continue the campaign.

The group has referred the council’s handling of the issue to the Local Government Ombudsman and Ms Stobart said the case had been passed for further investigation.

North-West Durham MP Pat Glass is also involved and the case has been brought to the attention of the Secretary of State.

Ms Stobart said: “This is going to affect our lives, our homes and all surrounding areas.”

During the meeting, Prism Planning’s Steve Barker, speaking for Mr Drennan, said the residents and the parish council had a “closed mind” to the scheme and had failed to move on following the Planning Inspector’s ruling.

The scheme had been subject to an independent planning appeal, he reminded the meeting.

Coun Mike Dixon said the issue had already cost the council Mr Drennan’s costs and going against their planning officials’ recommendation to accept the conditions would be irresponsible.

Action group members staged a protest at the farm site on Sunday (November 3) and further protests are now being considered.