Blyth Valley Council refused planning permission to enable Aesica Pharmaceuticals to install two wind turbines at its plant in Shotton Lane.

But last week, Wansbeck Council's regulation committee said it backed the wind turbines after a revised planning application which lowered the maximum height from 140m to 120m was submitted.

Development control manager Jenny Adamson said: "A planning application for two wind turbines has been submitted to Blyth Valley Council for determination, and the view of Wansbeck was requested.

"Government and regional policies now place significant emphasis on the need to develop sustainable communities and environments and a major component relies on the reduction in the consumption of conventional energy sources and moves towards renewable energy.

"Planning authorities are encouraged to promote renewable energy projects, and with the revised submission it is my view these should be welcomed."

The committee approved the application which will now go back to Blyth Valley Council.