CAMPAIGNERS who have fought a David and Goliath-style battle against plans for wind turbines in their village are preparing to oppose fresh plans.

The owners of Leggs Cross Farm, near Bolam, near Darlington, want to build a 40m wind turbine on their land.

Last year, plans for a 47m turbine at the same location were withdrawn.

Prior to that, members of the Bolam Area Action Group spent 18 months battling against plans for seven 125m turbines in the area.

Members of the action group are to hold extraordinary meeting on Wednesday (May 8), at which it is expected they will agree to oppose the latest plans, which have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council for consideration.

A design and access statement submitted to the council by York-based AAH Planning Consultants, which is acting on behalf of the applicant, said the primary aim of the application was to tackle climate change.

The statement said: “The proposed turbine would offset the energy demands of the farm by providing a source of renewable energy that would allow the business to operate in a more financially and environmentally sustainable manner.

“The proposed turbine would generate about 150 per cent of the farm’s energy demands.

“These demands [include] heating and lighting of the farm house, farm buildings and running of agricultural machinery.

“Any generated over and above these demands would be exported to the national grid.”

One letter of objection sent to the council reads: “Our property is located to the northwest of High House Farm, although attached to the main building and the stable block.

“We have a west facing window in the living room and windows and a front door which face north.

We also have gardens to the front and west side of the property.

“We notice that there is no photo montage provided, which gives a view from east or south east of the turbine, so we are unable to visualise what impact the turbine will have on our living conditions.

“On the evidence provided so far, we can only assume that from our residence and front gardens, the turbine will be in full view.”