COUNCILLORS have added their opposition to a controversial proposal for a wind farm just off the Redcar coast.

At a meeting on Thursday of last week, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council planning committee agreed to lodge an objection to the plans with the Department of Trade and Industry.

MPs, English Nature and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have all objected to the wind farm and protest group Save Our Shoreline has collected more than 5,000 signatures.

Committee members were concerned about the visual aspect of the wind farm, the danger to wild birds and the disturbance of marine life.

Concerns were also raised about the effect on the regeneration of Redcar, including plans for the development of the Coatham Enclosure, and the possible adverse effect on tourism and businesses in the town.

Committee member Coun Alma Thrower said: "The people of Redcar are against the proposal and we must listen to them."

EDF Energy said the location was chosen because of the good wind resource and other factors, including shipping lanes and water depth.

The company has extended its consultation period to the end of August.

The application could now go to a public inquiry before the DTI makes its final decision.

A department spokesman said: "Once the consultation period is over, we will come to a judgment and approve, reject or call for a public inquiry.

"Although the council is a consultee, its objection does not automatically mean the issue will go to public inquiry. The objection will be taken on board."