The turbines would be situated off the coast at Teesside

EDF Energy wants to build the windfarm 1.5km off the coast of Redcar on Teesside.

Despite the objections of 5,000 residents, Surfers Against Sewage say it is about time that people took renewable energy seriously.

The turbines would generate electricity for 72,000 homes, EDF Energy says.

Nick Noble, from Surfers Against Sewage, runs a surf shop in nearby Saltburn, from where he claims the turbines will be visible.

He said: "I wonder how many of the people objecting have made an effort to cut down their personal energy consumption over the last several years?

Whenever I see them, I'll see them as a good thing. I'll get a positive feeling about them Nick Noble, Surfers Against Sewage

"We haven't really been able to reduce our energy consumption as a country significantly. I suppose the price we're going to have to pay is that we're going to have wind farms sited at different locations.

"Whenever I see them, I'll see them as a good thing. I'll get a positive feeling about them."

Four local MPs are opposed to the plans and around 5,000 residents have signed a petition.

Jim Conaghan, from East Redcar residents' association, is involved in the Save our Shoreline campaign.

He said: "We've got an issue with siting 30 massive wind turbines less than a mile from Redcar beach and Redcar town. They are 420ft tall; they will have flashing lights on them and will be equipped with foghorns. They will dominate the town; they will dominate the coastal arc, stretching from Hartlepool down to Saltburn."

The residents' association has sent a report to the government outlining their concerns. Objectors and supporters have until August to make their views known.