CAMPAIGNERS in Prime Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency have lost their fight against a wind farm they say could blight their lives.

Energy firm EDF has won its appeal against Durham City Council's refusal of permission to erect four 76-metre turbines between Town Kelloe and Trimdon Colliery.

Councillors rejected the scheme despite the recommendation of planning officers to grant approval.

That decision delighted the members of Trimdon Action Group Against Wind Farms, who were worried about possible subsidence, light flicker, noise, vibrations and the possible effects on people's health.

Mr Blair's agent John Burton wrote signalling support for the objectors.

Council officials said the turbines would not have a "significant visual impact".

Council leader Fraser Reynolds said: "We do recognise that many people did have concerns about noise and visual impact around this scheme. We will now try to make sure that residents are kept informed of the various stages involved in developing this site by EDF Energy.

"At the end of the day all local authorities in this region have signed up to the Regional Spatial Strategy and sustainable energy generation is part of our own LA 21 agenda. Any planning application for alternative energy will be judged on individual merits, as this particular plan was."

A spokesman for the North-East Assembly, which drew up the Regional Spatial Strategy, said although the site was not specifically earmarked for wind power, it was identified as an area of "least constraint" where small development may be appropriate.

EDF welcomed the decision, saying the wind farm could supply the annual requirements of up to 3,333 homes.