THE public is to get another chance to have their say on proposals for a £12.5m wind farm scheme.

County Durham-based Banks Renewables is proposing to build five 115m-high turbines at Windy Bank, near Hamsterley.

The plans were originally submitted to Durham County Council in August 2011 after the company spent two years drawing up the scheme.

Since then, a series of delays has meant a decision has still not been made and Grant Folley, the planning officer dealing with the application said the scheme was “effectively held in abeyance.”

The company is now expected to submit new ecology reports with updated information on bats and various species of birds which use the Windy Bank site in the next few weeks.

Mr Folley added: “When the required information has been received I will commence another round of public consultation – new press and site notices will be posted and neighbour consultation letters will be sent inviting interested parties to make additional comments.

“Following the re-consultation period I will seek to confirm a committee date and report the application to committee.”