A DECISION to allow the erection of a ten-metre weather monitoring mast for a controversial wind farm has been deferred by councillors.

Stockton Borough Council's planning committee wanted further details about the need for the mast before granting permission.

Broadview Energy has applied to Stockton Borough Council to put up a 10.26-metre meteorological mast for 12 months on land between Seamer and Hilton, near Stokesley, North Yorkshire.

Concerns had been raised by councillors that a 60m mast had already been on site for two years collecting wind speed data.

And more than 40 residents living near the site have written letters of opposition.

Danny Maher, project manager for the renewable energy firm, told the meeting the mast was needed to supply data to the National Grid to show whether the wind farm would impact on overhead power lines.

Objector Dr Chris Gibbs said the new mast is not required and called on the planning committee to reject the proposal.

Councillors agreed to defer their decision until further information was presented by Broadview Energy and the National Grid.

The firm already has planning permission to build five, 125-metre turbines on farmland between the two villages, plus a control building.