Opponents of controversial plans to build a wind farm have lost the fight to stop four 125m turbines being built on the Island.

At a meeting on Thursday, Swale council’s planning committee gave the thumbs up to the application made by Peel Wind Power to build the farm at Sheerness Docks.

The company applied for permission last summer but were met with opposition by Queenborough Town council, the Queenborough Society, the Sheerness Society and people living near the docks who raised concerns over noise, safety, and the effect on visual amenity and house prices.

Clerk to Queenborough Town Council John Clark said last night’s decision came as a “great disappointment”.

He said: “The town council is very disappointed, we have fought long and hard against this.

“There is growing evidence that suggests that there’s the possibility of adverse effects on health to people living near wind farms.

“We are not opposed to wind farms but locations like this are not suitable.”

Peel Wind Powers’s development manager Richard Dibley said he was delighted at the decision.

He said: “We truly believe the industrial setting at the port is a great place for a small wind farm and are very pleased the council has approved our plans.

“The vast majority of feedback to the scheme has been extremely positive, but we recognise that a wind farm development is something new for many people.

“Over the coming months, and indeed years, we are determined to work closely with local communities and keep residents involved in the progress of the wind farm at every stage.”

According to Peel Wind Power, the turbines will generate enough energy to supply around 5,500 homes with electricity.