VILLAGERS are preparing to fight plans for a wind farm on the hillside above their homes.

Residents of Sunniside, near Tow Law, have started a petition and are forming an action group against the plan.

Power company Amec has applied to Wear Valley District Council for permission to erect two 107m turbines on land at Stanley Moss, owned by local company H J Banks, that was formerly an opencast mine.

It is also believed another energy supplier is considering a bid for three wind turbines at Broom Hill, near Sunniside.

"After the opencast mine was closed, trees were planted and a pond was built, which makes the footpaths around there really nice,'' said a resident who did not wish to be named.

"The village has improved a lot over recent years and people are starting to build new homes here. Residents are proud of the place and it is starting to come alive.

"Large turbines would really set us back. It would ruin the view of the village and windows from every single home will look on to them.''

A decade ago, H J Banks applied to use the site for waste disposal, but its use was restricted to excavation.

Despite residents' objections, Amec believes the overall concept has the support of others.

"We appreciate there are people with concerns and we would encourage them to get in touch,'' said a spokesman.

"Any written submissions should be made to the council.

"A 20-acre nature conservation area would be developed as part of the proposal, in conjunction with Durham Wildlife Trust, which will include a network of footpaths for use by the local community.

"The developers also proposed the establishment of a community benefits fund, which will provide funding for local projects, organisations and community groups."

The application is expected to be before the council's development control committee in late April.