PEOPLE have claimed a small victory in their battle against a proposed wind farm after their village was declared a conservation area.

Proposals to designate Bolam, near West Auckland, County Durham, as a conservation area were approved by Durham County Council’s executive cabinet yesterday.

Residents hope the move will strengthen their campaign against RWE Npower Renewables’ plans to build a seven-turbine wind farm at Stobhill, on the outskirts of the village.

The protected status means future planning decisions would have to preserve or enhance the area’s character and appearance.

Developments will also have to be sympathetic to landscape features, views and the village’s undeveloped areas.

Councillor Bob Young, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for strategic environment, said: “I’ve had the opportunity to visit Bolam many times, particularly over the last few months, and enjoyed an introduction to the local village pub.

“If anything deserves conservation area status, Bolam does.

“I’d just like to remind the people of Bolam that this conservation status brings with it a lot more duties.

“A lot of residents often resent the extra duties and restrictions that come with it.

It can be quite frustrating.

But so be it – that’s what comes with conservation status.”

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, said: “Bolam is a medieval village which has special architectural and historic interest.

“The designation of conservation area ensures that the special character of the area will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

Nigel Moore, project manager at energy consultancy TNEI, the company responsible for making the Stobhill Wind Farm planning application on behalf of RWE npower renewables, said the application would go ahead despite the new status.

He said: “We have always taken into account the impact of the wind farm on the surrounding area and this will continue to be carefully assessed as we progress the scheme.

“We are still planning to submit our application in the next few months and believe we have chosen a suitable site for this wind farm development.”

John Wilson, from Bolam Area Action Group, said: “We are very pleased with the result, but we didn’t for one moment expect npower to withdraw the application.

“However, it is still very good news for everyone in Bolam.”