COUNCILLORS have given the go-ahead for a new school to be powered by wind energy.

The electricity for Catchgate Primary School, near Stanley, will come from a 20kw turbine, and any surplus will be put into the National Grid.

The £2m building will replace an existing school in Blackett Street, and will be built on the same site.

The site is considered suitable for a turbine because it is relatively exposed and windy.

The turbine will have three blades and be placed on a 15- metre-high column in a corner of the school playing field.

Durham County Council's planning committee has approved the proposal.

Councillors were told that the turbine would be 200 to 250 metres from the nearest homes, and noise levels would be within Government-set limits.

Head of planning, John Suckling, said people near the turbine might be aware of the sound but "the overall effect will be minimal and would not cause nuisance".

He said: "The structure will introduce some change to the appearance of the area, but will not detract from local amenities."

Cassop Primary School, near Durham, is powered by a 50kw wind turbine that sends any unused electricity into the National Grid.

Durham County Council is committed to the use of renewable energy, and has won accreditation from the Institute of Energy.