A COUNCIL has approved a controversial wind farm despite objections from villagers.

More than 30 protesters from East Hedleyhope, in the Deerness Valley, attended a heated debate at the development control committee of Derwentside District Council yesterday.

EDF Energy wants to build the 50-metre turbines, which will have blades with a diameter of 60 metres, near the village and Hedley on the Hill.

But residents said they are worried about the noise and impact the four windmills would have on the countryside as well as the effect on local wildlife.

Parish councillor Ann Stobart said: "This is a residential and rural area that has been cleared of industrial ruin.

"It should not be returned to such a state after such a marvellous achievement.

"The skyline will be ruined for a lifetime and the village population bought their homes to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside."

The output from the turbines will be more than five megawatts, producing enough power to supply 3,145 homes.

The nearest house will be 450 metres from the turbines, which will be surrounded by several farms.

A poll revealed 59 per cent of residents are against the development with just 16 people in favour.

Council officer Tim Wheeler told the committee that noise from the site would not affect the residents' quality of life and that monitoring measures would be in place.

But ward councillor John Pickersgill said: "I have heard nothing that will assure me that the noise issue has been addressed.

"There are more strings with loose ends than a plate of spaghetti. This is drastically affecting the whole of south Derwentside."

Coun Pickersgill was the only member of the planning committee to vote against the proposal, which was passed with a majority of 15-1.

Council leader Alex Watson said: "Prime Minister Tony Blair describes climate change as the greatest threat facing this planet.

"We are not just responsible for this generation but for future generations."

Last year, plans by the company for a wind farm near the heart of Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency were rejected.

Yesterday, EDF Energy managing director Angus Norman said he was impressed by the way the council had taken on board all aspects of the implications of the application.

He said: "We don't underestimate the responsibility the council took on in considering such an application.

"As a responsible company we don't take our responsibilities lightly either."