The rejection of a solar farm, which objectors said would cause "significant deterioration" in recreational use of the land, has been overturned.
Reform UK-led Durham County Council rejected plans for the 58-hectare solar farm on land south of Wagtail Lane, Craghead, in December following opposition.
However, the Planning Inspectorate has now overturned the decision following an appeal by developers Ampyr Solar Europe.
It said the scheme would cause "moderate harm" to the character and appearance of the countryside and "limited harm" to recreational use, but those impacts did not justify refusing planning permission.
In conclusion, the inspector acknowledged the development would increase the perception of industrialisation in the landscape, particularly when viewed alongside existing wind turbines and other nearby solar developments.
However, it found the cumulative impact would be limited because the schemes would be separated by woodland and landscaping, and large areas of countryside would remain unaffected, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The proposals attracted opposition from residents, including Ian Cutter and Danielle Quigley Cutter, who run Holmside Hall Equestrian.
Ian Cutter told last year's committee meeting that the solar farm would threaten the welfare of horses through glare from the panels and make grazing land less usable because of its proximity to the development.
He said: "Holmside Hall equals regeneration, not industrialisation.
"We are an equestrian business that serves the community and the North East and there are more than 120 horses stabled on Holmside Hall Road alone.
"Tranquillity and countryside are one of the reasons why people choose us."
Ampyr Solar Europe said the panels would generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 12,800 homes.
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