The University of Reading is to scale back a planned wind farm just off the M4 because of fears it could interfere with air traffic control radar at Heathrow Airport.

A pilot study on the site found it suitable for wind turbines, but a study from British Aerospace showed the planned six turbines could mess with radar.

The planning application will now be reduced to five turbines.

Tony Duffin, from Partnerships for Renewables (which is working with the University on the project), said: "The results of study work carried out so far continues to suggest that Rushy Mead is a good location to site wind turbines although we have found that the responsible maximum number of wind turbines should now be set at five rather than six."

PfR and the University will seek planning permission for a wind-monitoring mast as the next stage of the programme. The two will also run consultation events to keep local residents up to speed on plans.

The press release is here.

Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence objected to planning applications for proposed wind farms over fears that they would create blank spots in its low-level radar coverage. ®

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