The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has backed plans for a new wind farm in Teesdale.

The organisation is supporting proposals for the Windy Bank wind farm, which would be located to the north of Woodland village.

County Durham-based Banks Renewables is looking to erect four 125m wind turbines on the site and say they will be investing more than £16m in the scheme.

The plans have also been backed by Bishop Auckland MP, Helen Goodman, despite more than 20 parish councils objecting.

The firm, which employs 420 people, says it is also committed to creating about 30 jobs during the site preparation and construction phases of the scheme, as well as to providing local firms with the opportunity to tender for a range of related contracts worth up to £3.5m.

The company also plans to create a community benefits fund worth around £70,000 annually.

Jonathan Walker, head of member relations at NECC, said: "Banks is a significant employer within County Durham and has a strong track record of working with local businesses on its various projects and providing substantial investment for community projects, and it has made clear commitments to continue this trend with the Windy Bank scheme.

"The County Council has identified the proposed Windy Bank site as a suitable location for a wind farm, and we would urge them to look favourably upon Banks' proposals for it."

Miles Crossley, senior business development manager at Banks Renewables, added: “We will continue to make what we believe is a strong case for an important project in a wholly suitable location, and hope that the County Council will agree with the Chamber's view of what we're proposing.”