CAMPAIGNERS have urged councillors to support their fight against plans for a wind farm which are set to go before a neighbouring authority.

People protesting against an application to erect four wind turbines on farmland near Trimdon Grange asked members of Sedgefield Borough Council to object to the scheme.

But the borough council's development control committee, which met on Friday, decided to back the proposal in principle but it will urge the ruling authority, Durham City Council, to consider all local fears and comments.

Objector David Smith said: "It is not just people in Trimdon Grange but in Town Kelloe, Trimdon Station, Cassop, Quarrington Hill and Trimdon Village who back us.

"We are worried about the aerodynamic, mechanical and low frequency noise, the interference with television signals, ruining the view and health implications.

"We also think the vibrations could cause subsidence at old mine works.

"This application will effect the quality of our lives. It is just too close to our homes."

Charlie Walton, head of planning at the borough council, said that no link to poor health had been proved, that noise levels would be low and that the vibrations should not risk subsidence at the mine works as they compare to the effects of a passing lorry.

Seventy one people living in the area signed a petition supporting the eco-friendly scheme. They believe it will be an attractive feature on the landscape.

The 12.39 hectare site, at Southern Law Farm, falls within the jurisdiction boundaries of Durham City Council but because it borders Sedgefield, the borough council was consulted.

On Friday, the council agreed to support the increased development of renewable energy resources such as on-shore wind farms and also said that the proposal is not considered to have an unacceptable visual impact.

The committee will recommend that colleagues in Durham look in greater detail at the concerns of its countryside team about the impact on local wildlife such as lapwing and curlew and take measures to protect grassland habitats.

And the committee has also called on the city council to carefully assess noise levels, ground stability and the site's archaeological value before making a decision.