CONTROVERSIAL plans for a wind farm which people living nearby fear could dominate the landscape have been recommended for approval by the local council.

Planning officers at Derwentside District Council have recommended approval for an amended application for 12 wind turbines between Tow Law and Satley, in County Durham.

Developer The Banks Group submitted 500 signatures of support for its proposals for West Durham Wind Farm, and committee papers released earlier this week suggests the scheme should be given the go-ahead.

A decision could be made at a meeting of the council's development control committee on Tuesday, December 6.

The petition supporting the wind farm, which could supply power to about 13,400 homes, was gathered from areas including Tow Law, Cornsay Colliery and East Hedleyhope.

Rob Williams, senior project manager at The Banks Group, said: "Over the past two years, we have halved the size of our proposals following consultation with the local community.

"Alongside existing turbines, we believe we have an environmentally-acceptable scheme. Experiences elsewhere in the country, and indeed in Derwentside, show that where schemes like this become operational, local residents' initial concerns are proven to be unfounded."

The original plans were for 22 turbines, and there are already several other wind farms in the surrounding areas.

Councillor Ron Grogan, of Tow Law Town Council, said that despite misgivings, the council had little choice but to support the plans. He said: "The town council has agreed not to oppose it. All we are trying to get is a few conditions, and we are trying to get them built in.

"In fairness to Banks, they have offered us some sort of funding. It is too early to say what the conditions may be ,but we will put them forward at the planning meeting."

If permission is granted, work on the wind farm is likely to start in 2007.