PEOPLE who are already living with a wind farm near their homes fear that a plan for 13 more turbines will dominate their landscape.

Wear Valley District Council has received a planning application for the turbines in Tow Law, County Durham, on land used for animal burials during the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis.

The site at South Shields, West Carr and Stonefoot Hill farms is on the border of the Derwentside and Wear Valley districts.

Last month, Derwentside District Council approved plans for four 50-metre turbines at nearby East Hedleyhope, despite villagers' protests.

Now a Wear Valley district councillor fears they will be unable to stop the latest proposal from going ahead.

Councillor Ron Grogen said: "I can't see how we can vote against them.

"We don't want them here, we have enough with the burial ground and mobile telephone masts, but if they are going to do it, then the company should put something back into the community."

The proposal is a modified version of one submitted last year by developers HJ Banks Co Limited.

The original bid was for 22 120ft turbines, described as "bigger than the Statue of Liberty" and had rotor blades "with a wingspan twice that of the Angel of the North".

But the people of Tow Law say the plans are not much improved because although fewer turbines will be proposed, they are still too big for the area.

Malcolm Campbell, 52, who lives near High Stoop and Satley, said: "They are now proposed at 100ft, that isn't much different.

"A new one will simply ruin the landscape further."

A spokesman for HJ Banks said: "In response to comments by the local community, we have reduced the size of the scheme from 22 turbines to 13 and have had positive feedback about the changes we have made.

"As well as this benefit, the scheme also includes a substantial community benefits fund which will fund local initiatives over 25 years and a public access, habitat and landscape improvements plan."