PLANS to build a gas-fired station on farm land have been thrown out.

Energy firm enso Energy had applied to build the station on land between Durham Lane and the North West Industrial Estate, near Peterlee.

Project developer Ben Atkinson told Durham county councillors the scheme would play an important role in supplying electricity to meet demand during peak times.

Cllr June Clark said: “I’m absolutely horrified.

“In my opinion this is going to be an absolute eyesore for the countless number of people who travel to the coast, and we’re trying to increase the number of visitors to our heritage coast”

She added: “We are just getting rid of all of the pit heaps. If it could be sited on the industrial site, that needs to be explored.”

Cllr Patricia Jopling said: “I think this site is being used convenience. If we have brown field sites that needs using, that’s where this sort of development should be.”

The applicants say the site was chosen because it is close to gas pipes and also has access to the national grid.

Two local residents attended the committee meeting to share their concerns about the loss of prime arable farmland, the possible impact on wildlife and livestock and road safety.

It was refused by nine votes to one.