The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) provided the last hope for objectors to the trio of 95m tall turbines to be built at Loscar Farm.

"We are extremely pleased to have received approval for our wind turbine plans," said Bob Morgan, development manager at Cornwall Light and Power, the company behind the divisive proposals.

"This represents a significant milestone in bringing the benefits of clean, renewable energy to South Yorkshire, and we appreciate the public's patience and continued support for the scheme."

"We will continue to keep people fully informed of the project as it progresses."

Next up for CLP, and farm owner John Wilks, is satisfying numerous planning conditions set out when the plan was passed earlier this year. It is hoped construction will begin next year.

"Details of our work over the coming months will be available on our website at www.clpwindprojects.co.uk," said Mr Morgan.

The borough council planning board decision followed an in-depth site visit, with councillors travelling to various viewpoints around Harthill and Thorpe Salvin and listening to both camps' points of view.

Harthill Action Group campaigned against the 1.3 megawatt turbines for more than three years, and chairman Dave Bentley said the group could have done no more.

Mr Wilks described it as a 'sensible decision' as all but two members of the board voted in favour.