RESIDENTS are rallying to oppose what they fear would prove obtrusive developments either side of their rural hamlet.

People in Old Quarrington, near Bowburn, on the outskirts of Durham, are preparing to fight a proposed opencast coal operation.

They are also about to oppose a bid to erect two giant wind turbines, only hundreds of yards from homes.

A group of mining, construction and wind power concerns, Eco Energy, has appealed against Durham County Council's refusal of planning permission for the opencast scheme, proposed for 143.5 acres of farmland between Old Quarrington, Coxhoe and the nearby A1(M) interchange at Bowburn.

The consortium proposes removing 750,000 tonnes of coal over three-and-a-half years, before restoring the site for a hotel, fast food restaurant, pub and light industrial development.

It has attracted widespread local opposition and the Bowburn Action Group has been revived to fight what is the latest in a series of applications on the site.

The appeal will be heard at a public inquiry in mid-October.

Many action group members also plan to oppose a further proposal by Eco Energy to mount wind turbines at either end of an escarpment, also on farmland, between Old Quarrington and the A1(M).

Group member Steve Raine said local opposition to the opencast site appears universal, while any sympathies for alternative energy are outweighed by the size of the proposed two megawatt wind turbines.

"A lot of people are pro-wind power, but when they realise just how big these things are going to be they think again.

"We're talking about 118 metres from the top of the highest blade to the ground - almost the size of Blackpool Tower.

"They would totally dominate the skyline. Apart from any noise and safety fears, they would certainly be out of keeping with the setting."

Local councillor Mike Syer, who chairs Durham City Council's development control committee, said: "I'm strongly opposed to the opencast site, but at the moment I'm open-minded over the turbines.

"There are benefits of renewable energy to consider against the other arguments, so I'm reserving judgment until a full report is available."

The committee is expected to consider the application in October.