PROTESTORS are trying to scupper plans to build an environmentally friendly business centre in north Durham.

Derwentside District Council has received letters objecting to the scheme to develop an office block that creates its own renewable energy.

The authority is backing the £4.2m development that will run on electricity generated using solar panels and a 44-metre high wind turbine.

The Greenhouse was officially launched last Friday by Groundwork West Durham, but it does not have planning permission for the current blueprint of the building and wind turbine.

Veronica Cleary, director of Lanchester Properties, which is on Greencroft Industrial Estate, near the proposed site in Annfield Plain, Stanley, said the proximity of the turbine to existing buildings was her main concern.

She said: "Greencroft Industrial Estate is home to some multi-million pound turnover businesses.

"We have worked hard to build up the business and to attract new tenants to the site.

"It is a busy site and, generally speaking, our tenants are happy to be here.

"We feel that that the construction of a wind turbine would deter potential tenants from choosing Greencroft as a home for their business."

The council has also received letters from residents who fear the impact a wind turbine would have on their quality of life.

They fear it will spoil their view of the countryside and they will be disturbed by noise.

Residents also believe it will lead the creation of a wind farm on their doorsteps and lower the value of their properties.

Brian Potts, development manager of Groundwork West Durham, said it was going to be half the size of existing 100-metre high wind turbines at Craghead.

He said: "We have got no plans to create a wind farm or any more turbines on the site.

"It will make a positive contribution to reduce the use of non renewable energy resources.

"This will help contribute to the continuous development of Greencroft Industrial Park."

Senior planning officer Simon le Jeune has recommended that planning permission should be granted.

A decision will be made Derwentside District Council's development control committee tomorrow (COR).

If approved it will provide office accommodation for 23 companies and be the headquarters of Derwentside Primary Care Trust.