A 110ft wind turbine will be erected at a farm, despite fears it could lead to dozens more on green fields around Blackburn with Darwen.

Steven Turner’s scheme to install the 50kw wind turbine at Longshaw Head Farm in Edgworth was given the green light by councillors after a row over its effect on the local landscape.

The borough planning and highways committee gave permission for the project despite Tory spokesman Alan Cottam expressing fears about it setting a precedent for similar projects on farms.

He questioned officials about its impact on the landscape to be assured it would not be seen from surrounding hills.

Coun Cottam then said: “If we approve the scheme on green belt land, then we will have to approve others. It will lead to a proliferation of wind turbines on hill farms around the borough.” Liberal Democrat spokesman Paul Browne said: “We don’t want to see wind turbines sprouting up willy nilly on hills around the areas.”

Roe Lee Labour councillor Phil Riley supported the scheme saying: “Local farms need to diversify to continue. If we refuse this type of application, we will just see a proliferation of derelict farms around the borough instead.”

Committee chairman Dave Smith reassured the committee that approving the application would not lead to an automatic green light for similar proposals or for larger wind farms in the borough. Existing turbines in place in the area include two standing 90ft tall at Barons Farm and Wheatsheaf Farm, which are both within a mile of Longshaw Head.

North Turton with Tockholes Tory councillors Colin and Jean Rigby both opposed the scheme as it would result in too many wind turbines in a small area.

Mr Turner told the committee the turbine would generate 217,000kwh per year, offsetting 117 tonnes of CO2 and allowing the farm to be self-sufficient in terms of power with surplus electricity sold to the National Grid.

Objectors including North Turton Parish Council claimed the turbine would have a negative visual impact on the area, cause noise problems and affect horses. The committee imposed conditions on noise and building work to protect nesting birds and lizards.