A COUNCIL has given the go-ahead for a controversial wind farm despite objections from villagers.

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

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

But residents expressed concerns 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 and 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. The village population brought their homes to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside."

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

The nearest house will be 450m from structures, which will be surrounded by several farms.

A poll revealed 59 per cent of residents were against the development with just 16 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. This is drastically affecting the whole of south Derwentside."

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

Council leader Councillor 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 Mr Blair's Sedgefield constituency were rejected.

But yesterday EDF Energy managing director Angus Norman said he was impressed at the way the council had taken on board all aspects of the implications of its 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."