THE manager of a Teesdale youth hostel that was denied planning permission for a wind turbine says he may appeal against the decision, but first wants to know what local people think.

Langdon Beck youth hostel near Forest-in-Teesdale last week had an application for the turbine turned down by Teesdale District Council development control committee, despite planning officers recommending that the scheme went ahead.

The committee voted eight to four to refuse planning permission, on the grounds that the proposed site for the turbine is in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

Hostel manager, Mr Euan Boyd, was set to throw in the towel and accept the decision, but a report in the D&S Times last week sparked such an outcry from the public in favour of the wind turbine that he changed his mind.

"I was quite stunned at the response that the article produced," he said. "I've had lots of people contact me, all expressing their disappointment at the council's decision and their support for the wind turbine in principle."

Under planning law, the hostel can appeal to the Department of Transport, Regions and the Environment against the ruling from Teesdale council. The department can then send in an inspector with power to overturn the local authority decision.

"We have had advice that we may stand a good chance of success in an appeal, because the council planning officers were in favour of the scheme," said Mr Boyd.

"We think we will appeal, unless we get strong local opposition. We do not want to upset people, and if residents are dead set against the turbine, that will affect how we decide to proceed."

He said the turbine would secure the future of the hostel as the focus of an education centre, looking at renewable sources of energy such as wind power. Without it, the hostel faces winter closure and job losses.

Local people wishing to express an opinion for or against the turbine development are invited to contact Mr Boyd on 01833 622228.