Mock-up of Westmill Wind Farm by the A420 near Watchfield

Original plans for a smaller development were approved by the Vale of White Horse Council five years ago.

Revised plans for 81ft high turbines were initially turned down by the council in October 2003.

But after an appeal and new government advice on renewable energy, permission was granted after a four hour council meeting and a narrow vote on Wednesday.

Councillors decided by eight votes to nine to grant permission for the facility.

Climate change

The new wind farm will supply power to almost 4,000 homes.

Nearby residents claim the turbines will be a blot on the landscape.

Organiser Adam Twine said he sympathises with the campaigners.

"I'm not a fan of wind turbines to look at, but I do have enormous concerns about climate change," he said.

"I think we are sleepwalking towards it, and we need to do something about it now.

"This isn't going to solve it, but it's a step in the right direction."

The local co-operative which will run the scheme will meeting within the next week to decide on a timescale for construction.