Campaigners have lost their battle to stop Leicestershire's first windfarm being built.

Secretary of State for Communities John Denham yesterday ruled that the controversial development on farmland at Swinford, near Lutterworth, could go ahead.

He said the benefits outweighed the "limited" impact the 11 wind turbines, each 410ft high, would have on the local landscape.

Developer Nuon Renewables says the turbines will provide enough energy to power 14,000 homes.

Thousands of people objected to the plan. Issues included fears that the turbines would spoil the landscape and create noise.

Harborough District Council planning officials argued that the windfarm would damage the setting of nearby Stanford Hall, which yearly attracts more than 45,000 visitors.

Mr Denham's decision came after planning inspector John Woolcock, who conducted a three-week public inquiry into the scheme, recommended it should go ahead.

Stop Swinford Windfarm Action Group raised tens of thousands of pounds to commission experts and brief a barrister to fight the plans.

Group spokesman Keith Kilbane said: "This decision has broken my heart. We are stunned. The committee will meet over the weekend to see what our options are. We do not know whether we have the emotional strength and the money to take this to the High Court."

Nuon called for the inquiry after Harborough District Council failed to make a decision within the planning deadline.

Piers Guy, head of development at Nuon, said: "This is great news for the renewable energy industry."

He said the company "believed it was the right scheme in the right location" and added it had been "sensitively designed".

ProWind Alliance spokesman Grahame Jordan, who lives near the windfarm site, said: "I'm very pleased with the decision.

"I understand the people against it must be very disappointed. But it's good news for the development of renewable energy in the area."

Campaigners had argued that if the turbines were allowed, it would pave the way for many more across the county. Other wind farm proposals being considered within 11 miles of Market Harborough include four turbines in Gilmorton; three in Gartree; two in North Kilworth; seven at Kelmarsh Hall and seven near Desborough. Schemes are also planned for Charnwood, Desford, Melton and Rutland.

A statement from Mr Denham's department said: "There would be limited harm to the local landscape and to the setting of the registered historic parkland, both of which conflict with policy and weigh against the proposal, but that there are no other material considerations that substantially weigh against it."

Protesters now have six weeks to challenge the decision at the High Court. Sue Smith, chief executive of Harborough District Council, said: "The council is currently taking advice on whether there are grounds to appeal."