Although the turbine will be one of the biggest structures ever seen on the riverside, the green scheme at A&P Tyne, Hebburn, is set to win planning approval next week.

A total of 19 residents have objected, claiming it will be noisy, visually intrusive and could interfere with TV reception, but hundreds of letters were sent out as part of the public consultation process.

The complaints have been dismissed by experts, while previous objections from the Ministry of Defence and Newcastle International Airport have been withdrawn.

Reaching a maximum height of 127m to its blade tip, the riverside 'monster' would tower over the relatively petite Angel of the North, which is a mere 20m tall.

It is hoped the scheme will produce massive energy savings and help protect A&P Tyne's 250-strong core workforce.

Coun Joe Abbott, for the Hebburn North ward, which includes A&P Tyne and Hebburn Village, said: "I can understand that some people are unhappy about this.

"People have expressed concerns about noise from the turbine blades, particularly during quiet parts of the day, plus there are fears about how it will look and if it will affect people's TV reception.

"But all of these concerns have been investigated and have not been proved.

"The wind turbine will save energy and help make A&P Tyne more competitive."

A previous turbine application was withdrawn, but the recommendation to next Monday's meeting of South Tyneside Council's planning committee is for approval.

The wind turbine plan is in line with local planning guidelines and latest Government policies on renewable energy.

Bryan Atkinson, a spokesman for Friends of the Earth on South Tyneside, said: "Wind turbines provide clean, green energy and I fully support this planning application.

A report to next week's planning committee concludes: "On balance, taking all matters into account, either individually or collectively, the overall conclusion is that the proposed wind turbine would not cause harm to any matters of acknowledged importance.

"It is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to the schedule of planning conditions."

No one was available for comment from A&P Tyne, but managing director David Skentelbery has previously stated that his company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.