TEN wind turbines are proposed for a site on the border of County Durham and Northumberland.

Npower Renewables has submitted a planning application to Tynedale Council for six 100mhigh electricity-generating turbines at Shotleyfield, just over the border from Shotley Bridge.

Today, a public exhibition is being held that could lead to a second application for four more at nearby Boundary Lane, Shotley Low Quarter.

Wind energy developer Wind Prospect is seeking planning permission for the scheme.

The development would supply energy to more than 4,500 homes.

A Wind Prospect spokesman said: "During the development process, independent studies on the potential impacts on ecology, landscape, archaeology and other environmental considerations will form a major part of the site assessment and decisionmaking process.

"Wind Prospect's assessments thus far have found that the area is potentially suitable for a wind energy development, and therefore could make a significant and positive contribution towards the national renewable energy target of ten per cent of energy generation from renewable sources by the year 2010."

In October 2003, The North- East Assembly produced a renewable energy strategy for the region, identifying areas seen as potentially suitable for renewable energy development.

These areas include the location of the proposed Boundary Lane site.

The spokesman said: "In addition to the environmental benefits, which are associated with non-polluting sustainable energy generation technology, the benefits for the local community will include a local trust fund, which will be financed from a proportion of the revenue generated by the wind farm.

"The trust fund would provide a locally controlled community resource, which would help to fund local energy efficiency projects and environmental enhancement projects."

The erection of a wind farm has attracted opposition from people who live in the rural communities of Kiln Pit Hill, Unthank and Shotley Bridge.

They feel the turbines will spoil the natural beauty of the countryside and will be too noisy.

Feedback from the exhibition will help to shape plans for the project.

It is being held from 1pm to 8pm at St John's Church Hall, Snods Edge, Consett.