A SCHEME to erect a wind turbine which will stand three times the height of the Angel of the North has been approved by councillors.

A 67-metre turbine will be erected on farmland owned by Acorn Dairy, at Archdeacon Newton, on the outskirts of Darlington.

The owners say it will generate enough electricity to make its two farms self-sufficient.

Darlington Borough Council's planning officer, Roy Merrett, recommended councillors approve the application because it promoted renewable energy.

All but two councillors - Bill Stenson and Gerald Lee - voted in favour of the proposal at a planning committee meeting held on Wednesday, at Darlington town hall.

The controversial application has been opposed by residents living near to the proposed site.

Norman Welsh said: "It's incongrous with the character of the area."

Vernon Spinks said: "This will tick a lot of boxes for local government, but objectives come and go. This turbine will be with us for 20 years-plus."

Five nearby parish councils - Walworth, High Coniscliffe, Denton, Archdeacon Newton and Coatham Mundeville - all objected to the proposals.

They were worried the structure would dominate the landscape, set a precedent for turbines in the area and impact on wildlife, property values and Walworth Castle.

But the dairy's owner, Graham Tweddle, said: "We've had 63 letters of support. This is not a windfarm proposal - Acorn Dairy is a local firm interested in renewable energy."

The dairy, which employs 31 staff, said it milks 350 cows, using about 400,000KW of electricity a year, and hopes to start using electric vehicles.