They said the npower renewables' seven-turbine proposed plant south west of Grindon would introduce new and dominate visual elements to the setting of Duddo Stone Circle, a scheduled ancient monument.

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And they said the combination of the Toft Hill scheme with the proposed Moorsyde and Barmoor scheme of Toft Hill with Moorsyde would give rise to significant adverse cumulative landscape effects.

The proposals were submitted to the borough council in 2006.

The council received 76 letter of objections, substantial representation from campaign group Isores (Inappropriate Siting of Renewable Energy Structure) and a 18-name petition from residents of Ladykirk in the Borders.

Residents said the wind farm would ruin the natural beauty of the landscape and detrimentally impact on the outlook of numerous houses.

Three letters of support were received with 406 standards letters of support.

Isores chairman Larry Telford voiced fears that the wind farm would drive away tourists from the area.

He highlighted that Heatherslaw Light Railway attracts 30,000 visitors a year.

"We must not kill the goose that lays the golden egg," he said.
Fellow Isores member Maragaret Marshall said: "The wind farm would create disturbance on an industrial scale."

Referring to the standing stones, Robert Warren, of applicants npower renewables, pointed out that English Heritage has not objected to the scheme.

He added that the scheme would help provide greater security in electricity supplies.