PLANNING authorities are being urged to look closely at the impact of wind farms on the countryside.

The Tory cabinet at Staffordshire County Council has clarified its position on wind power, to distance itself from the previous Labour administration's stance.

There are around a dozen applications for wind farms being considered in the county.

Councillor Mike Maryon, member for highways and environment, said: "We have become aware some of the companies submitting planning applications to create wind farms have been citing the previous county council's policies in support of their application.

"While the county council accepts the contribution that renewable energy plays in tackling climate change, we feel passionately about our beautiful county."

He said a review into the role of wind power to reduce carbon emissions would be completed in May.

Newcastle Borough Council blocked plans to build four 400ft wind turbines at Maer Hills, near Newcastle, last year, after receiving 2,500 letters of objection.