PLANS for a windfarm could be approved by a North-East council, despite MoD objections.

A planning application for five turbines in the small village of Royal Oak, near Shildon, County Durham, have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

The authority is expected to give approval on Wednesday, despite military chiefs' concerns.

The MoD said the turbines could interfere with radars at RAF Leeming, in North Yorkshire.

It fears the turbines could be an obstacle for planes, particularly high-speed jets, needing to make an emergency landing there.

A spokesperson said: "The MoD is aware and fully supports the Government's renewable energy targets and we seek to be approachable wherever possible.

"However, operational capability and health and safety are our primary concerns.

"Objections are raised to any proposal that falls within 66km and is in line of sight of Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar and would seriously affect the ATC service.

"This proposal lies 36km from ATC at RAF Leeming and would appear on the radar screen. This would limit the service provided by the operators, effectively downgrading the operational capability of the airfield."

The plans were submitted by EDF Energy. A spokesman said Royal Oak was a suitable site for turbines because it was windy there. He said: "However, this is not the only thing we consider. We look at the impact on wildlife and conservation and even look at the effect it might have on television and radio signals.

"The plans have been on the drawing boards for two years and consultations are still ongoing."

The MoD's letter was one of 23 the council received.

Many residents of Royal Oak and nearby villages oppose the plans and some have formed a protest group.

Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley Airports initially objected to the plans, because they feared the turbines would affect their radars. Assessments showed the turbines would be out of range and their complaints were withdrawn.

A council spokesman said: "The Government's plans are very much looking towards renewable energy sources and all local authorities are encouraged to look on planning applications of this nature favourably."