PARISH councillors fighting plans for at least three wind farms near their homes will meet with their MP tonight.

Sadberge Parish Council is opposing plans for the countryside around their village to be used for more than 30 turbines.

The parish council adopted a parish plan in 2007 to oversee future planning developments and other village matters in Sadberge, to the north-east of Darlington.

Last year, as a result of three plans for wind farms, the parish plan group suggested an amendment to the plan.

The extra chapter of the village blueprint was passed by the parish council last month.

The parish plan demands a range of matters. They include: - no wind turbine to be built within 1km of any house, and none within 1.5km of settlements of ten or more houses - developments restricted to least impact areas as identified by the North East Regional Assembly - any wind farms to be built at least 5km apart - support for the campaign group Seven Parishes Action Group (SPAG).

Villagers in Sadberge have voted three-to-one against plans to develop wind farms in the neighbouring countryside.

SPAG campaigners have also mounted high-profile opposition to the plans, including a media campaign and erecting posters declaring their views.

Sadberge Parish Council wrote to Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson last year.

It has invited Mr Wilson to speak at its next meeting, which is held tonight in Sadberge Village Hall.

The meeting will include an update on the parish plan and the action of SPAG.

The parish council will also comment on a planning application to erect a wind monitoring mast on land at Little Stainton.

The mast will help Pure Renewable Energy to evaluate wind speeds and directions in the area to help with their plans for the wind farm.

Banks Developments were given similar permission by Darlington Borough Council last year.

Banks Developments has plans for ten masts at Moorhouse Farm, between Barmpton and Brafferton. Pure Renewable Energy wants to build 12 turbines on two sites in East and West Newbiggin, either side of Sadberge.

A third bid by E.ON has been made for a site nearer Sedgefield, to the north of Sadberge, for 10 masts.

Tuesday night's meeting is at 6.30pm in the village hall.