PLANS for a controversial wind farm near Sedgefield were approved yesterday.

Renewable energy development company, Wind Prospect, was granted planning permission to erect seven turbines at High Swainston Farm.

The turbines, measuring 110m to the tip of the blade, will occupy about two hectares of farmland east of Sedgefield and Fishburn and south east of Trimdon. Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee visited the site yesterday morning before approving the plan.

Residents of all three neighbouring villages and nearby Wynyard area had protested to the proposal fearing the turbines would have an adverse impact on the area.

People were worried that the turbines would be noisy and ruin the natural beauty of the area, especially the views from the popular Castle Eden Walkway.

Objectors also feared the development and construction would disturb wildlife in particular birds and bats.

Charlie Walton, head of the borough council's planning services, said: "There are always objections with windfarms and we understand why, they are visually prominent.

"But a lot of people like how they look and support them for what they are, a way of harnessing natural energy for electricity without contaminating the land.

"We think the noise levels will be negligible and cannot consider any potential impact on house prices.

"The neighbouring authorities and airports have raised no objections so on planning grounds, it was approved."

Following advice of wildlife and conservation experts, the council has asked the developer to protect any bats and owls before work starts.

It is estimated that the wind farm, which will have a life span of at least 25 years, will produce enough electricity to supply the annual needs of about 11,700 homes.

Power from the turbines will be fed into the National Grid along underground cables, probably into Fishburn, and money made from the sale of electricity produced on site will be pumped back into the community through a trust fund.

A percentage of the site's revenue will be placed in the fund and offered as grants, via regional charity County Durham Foundation, to environmental schemes in the area.