THE power company refused permission to build a windfarm near Tony Blair's house says it is disappointed by the decision.

But EDF Energy has not said yet if it will appeal against the decision by LibDem-controlled Durham City Council. It wants to build four turbines on land at Southern Law Farm, a mile from the Prime Minister's Sedgefield constituency home in Trimdon Colliery.

Some residents objected, and received the Premier's support through a letter written by his agent, John Burton.

The move prompted an accusation of hypocrisy from North-East Conservative MEP Martin Callanan because the Government wants to increase the proportion of green energy to reduce greenhouse gases and has changed planning rules to encourage the development of onshore windfarms. The accusation was rejected by Mr Burton.

Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors spoke against the plans -no mention was made in the meeting of Mr Burton's letter -even though planning officers recommended approval, saying the scheme fitted national, regional and local policies.

A company spokesman said: "EDF Energy is disappointed by the decision, particularly as it goes against the strong professional recommendations in support of the project by the council's chief planning officer.

"We await the official minutes from the planning committee, which will set out the reasons behind their decision.

"Until such time as we have had a chance to review them in detail, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Trimdon Action Group Against Winds Farms raised concerns over health, noise, low frequency vibration and the effect on aircraft radar.

The company said the windfarm, which would have run for 25 years, would have produced electricity for 3,145 homes.