Radar fears scale back wind plan

The proposed site lies between junctions 10 and 11 of the M4

Plans to build a wind farm to generate power for 5,500 homes and businesses in east Berkshire have been scaled back.

A study found only five wind turbines should be built after British Aerospace said the original plan for six could impact on the radar at Heathrow.

The University of Reading, which is behind the scheme on its land by the M4 at Rushy Mead, agreed to the findings.

It said a planning application for a temporary wind monitoring mast on the site would now be submitted.

Responsible maximum

It is hoped the mast will provide detailed on-site wind data along with information already gathered by the Met Office.

The farm would be funded and run by Partnerships for Renewables (PfR).

The firm and the university have said they will continue to consult the local community on the development.

Tony Duffin, from PfR, said: "From day one we said that we will only submit a planning application if we can design a wind turbine development that is appropriate for the location.

"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 turbines should now be set at five rather than six.

"The dates and locations of these events will be agreed with the local councils and announced in the near future."