Inquiry urged over wind farm plan

Wind farms are planned for several sites in County Durham

An energy firm wants a public inquiry after plans for a wind farm in County Durham were dismissed by councillors.

Amec Wind Energy wants to site two turbines at Stanley Moss near Tow Law.

But despite planning officials from Wear Valley District Council approving the plan, councillors opted to throw out the proposal.

Now the company is demanding a public inquiry, claiming the region may not meet green energy targets set by the government.

Health concern

Conservationists, including TV botanist David Bellamy, have already come out against other wind farm projects planned for County Durham.

Residents in Stanley Moss voiced their objection to Amec's plans.

But while planning officials agreed there was no reason to block the scheme, councillors came down on the side of protestors.

Wear Valley councillor Ron Grogan said more information was needed on the possible health impact of wind farms.

A spokesman for Amec Wind Energy said: "We will be asking for a public inquiry. When the chair of the meeting says there are no genuine planning reasons to reject it, we would be crazy not to go to a public inquiry."