COUNCILLORS have pulled the plug on a farmer’s plan to install a wind turbine to power his farm.

An application to install a single wind turbine on farmland near Hesleden was turned down by members of Durham County Council’s County Planning committee this week.

The turbine, which would have been just under 51-metres to its hub and 78-metres to its tip, was earmarked for land at Dene Leazes Farm.

Eric Stephenson, of Eden Farm Ltd, said the farm had already taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint and cut its £384,000-a-year electricity bill, including installing solar panels.

The turbine, which would operate for 25 years, would supply around 20 per cent of the farm’s power.

The application was backed by Easington MP Graeme Morris and letters of support from 253 residents.

Mr Stephenson told the meeting at County Hall in Durham: “We need the turbine to secure business viability and jobs.”

However, the application attracted widespread opposition from residents, with more than 200 writing in protest, many on grounds of visual intrusion, along with objections from both Castle Eden Parish Council and Monk Hesleden Parish Council.

Durham County Council’s own Design and Conservation team also objected on the grounds that the turbine would be visible from the Grade II-listed Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel.

Speaking on behalf of residents, Cllr Rob Crute told the meeting: “We can see no evidence of any direct benefit to local residents.”

He added that, while in favour of economic development in the area: “We simply feel that this is the wrong type of development in entirely the wrong location.”

Committee member Cllr David Boyes said: “The East Durham Central Plateau is absolutely saturated with wind turbines.

“As far as I can see, there is going to be no benefit to the community whatsoever. It seems like a money-making exercise for the business.”

Members of the committee voted by eight votes to six to refuse the application.