A CONSERVATION group has voiced its opposition to a proposed windfarm off the Redcar coast.

EDF Energy wants to build a windfarm half a mile off Coatham Sands, with 30 turbines capable of generating energy to power 72,000 homes.

The town's MP, Vera Baird, has campaigned against the plans and has now been joined by MPs Dari Taylor for Stockton South, Ashok Kumar for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, and Frank Cook for Stockton North.

She has also received the backing of English Nature, which has sent its objections to the Department of Trade and Industry.

English Nature spokeswoman, Heather Duncan, said: "We have examined the planning application for the offshore windfarm and believe it is likely to have a significant effect on the large populations of migratory waterbirds, such as knot, redshank and shelduck.

"We are fully prepared to discuss our comments further with the Department of Trade and Industry and the developer in order to ensure the internationally important wildlife of Teesmouth and the Cleveland coast is safeguarded."

Mrs Baird said: "This windfarm is monstrous in size so close to shore, but is less than a third the size of the huge turbine groups planned for sites miles offshore, which can make a serious contribution to cutting greenhouse gases."

The RSPB also submitted a formal objection to the offshore wind farm yesterday to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

Anna Moody, of the RSPB's North of England office, said: "The location of the proposed windfarm lies close to sites that have been given some of the highest levels of international protection because of their importance for wildlife.

"We therefore believe that any case for a wind farm in this area must prove that there will be no negative impact on important birds and wildlife habitats.

"Based on the information we have seen so far, we are not convinced that is the case."