VILLAGERS are bracing themselves for another battle, after a planning application for an £8m windfarm on the hillside above their homes was lodged.

Residents of Sunniside and Stanley Crook are to protest against the plans for four wind turbines, announced by energy company EDF Energy.

Less than 18 months ago, a similar scheme was blocked following lobbying by campaigners, who felt it would be detrimental to the quality of life for people living nearby.

But the new proposals, for land at Broom Hill Farm, will once again force the villagers into action.

EDF Energy will submit a planning application - for four turbines standing 102m high and capable of supplying power to 6,410 homes - to Wear Valley District Council today.

Those behind the bid say that they have taken on board points expressed by councillors and the public which led to the downfall of the previous plans, by developer Amec, and have consulted with the council.

An environmental impact assessment has taken place, and it is estimated that the turbines would lead to savings of about 22,601 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

EDF Energy's wind development project manager Tony Scorer said: "We're very pleased to have submitted this application.

"Projects like the one proposed for Broom Hill demonstrate our commitment to future energy sources, and the importance EDF Energy places on sustainable development.

"Renewable energy projects like this could help lead the way in protecting our environment and provide clean emission-free energy for our own and future generations."

But residents believe that the turbines will have a detrimental impact on the view from their homes and create extra noise, which would see house prices drop and dissuade people from moving to the village.

Ken Ross campaigned against the plans of 2004, and said that villagers would reform their action group to fight the new scheme.

A residents' meeting is likely to be arranged soon.

"As an action group, we will be opposing this," Mr Ross said. "This is a bigger development than the one which was turned down previously, and is closer to the villages.

"The one that got turned down was only for two turbines, so this will probably be more intrusive and more on the horizon.

"It makes the whole area look unattractive."