A controversial application to site two wind turbines in a rural north Norfolk landscape has been granted by planners this morning.

Landowner John McCleod said the pair, each measuring nearly 25m to blade tip, would provide enough electricity to power his East Ruston farming business.

Members of North Norfolk District Council's development committee voted six-four, with one abstention, in favour of the plan for Old Manor Farm, Long Common.

Mr McCleod addressed the meeting and said the scheme would help guarantee the long-term sustainability of his farm, which employed five people, including two local youngsters.

Mr McCleod's application attracted 96 supporting letters and 97 objections. Opponent Miss Cripps addressed the committee, painting a picture of a serene, rural landscape peppered with heritage assets including churches. The turbines, plus another already erected nearby, would spoil the views and would be visible from many village homes, she said.

Committee members heard that none of the statutory bodies consulted had any objections to the application.

Kerys Witton, the council's landscape officer, said the scene was dominated by sweeping views to the coast but she believed the scale of the turbines, relative to other 'vertical elements' within the landscape, was such that they would not make a significant impact.