PLANS for a third ten-turbine wind farm have been announced by developers in an area which could see a total of 32 machines erected.

E.ON UK is hoping to build its latest wind farm north of Great Stainton, close to the Al motorway between Newton Aycliffe and Bradbury.

According to E.ON, the ten 125m structures could produce power for 11,000 homes, displacing 23,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

An exhibition takes place next month and E.ON’s project developer, Charley Ratten, is urging people to go along.

“We’d encourage everyone with an interest in the scheme to come down, have a look at the information we’ve got there and just chat through the proposals,” he said.

“We believe this is a great place for a wind farm and I’m sure that many local people will be very supportive of the project.”

E.ON already operates the High Volts, Holmside and Harehill wind farms further north in the county – a total of seven machines.

But residents fear with permission in place for 17 turbines east of nearby Sedgefield Village, things in the south are getting out of hand.

Peter Wood, chairman of Bishopton Parish Council and Parishes Against Wind Turbines, said people in the area have had enough.

“What you are looking at is an area which is concentrated and will be totally blighted with these machines,” he said.

“The Tees Valley has been targeted by the Government for a certain number of turbines in the area so they are going headlong for this target taking no account of the residents.

“This is not just about nimby-ism. Putting these machines in lowland England where they will not be effective is a waste of time – and why the Government is moving towards offshore-only wind farms from 2011.

“In the meantime, it’s about a few farmers and a few developers just filling their boots with cash.”

Exhibitions will take place at Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield Village, on August 12, from 12.30pm to 2pm; and Stillington Youth and Community Centre, Lowson Street, Stillington, at the same time the next day.