Plans to build giant wind turbines around Oxford were due to take a step forward today.

Senior councillors were expected to give the go-ahead for a detailed study into whether the turbines, to generate electricity, could be put up close to Hinksey Heights Golf Club, near South Hinksey, and Cutteslowe Park.

The sites would join land near the BMW car factory at Cowley and at Sandford Brake, south of Greater Leys, which have already been singled out as prime locations which would be suitable for the 125m (410ft) tall generators.

Members of the city council's executive were set to approve a study by Partnerships for Renewables, part of the Government-backed Carbon Trust, which promotes renewable energy.

If the study is positive, the trust would finance the multi-million-pound scheme at no cost to the council.

Experts said the Horspath and Sandford Brake sites could accommodate at least two turbines each, while the Chilswell Valley site, near South Hinksey, and Cutteslowe Park could take one each.

Each mast would be 80m high, with the rotor blade measuring 90m in diameter, and would generate three megawatts of electricity.

Graham Jones, chairman of the Friends of Cutteslowe Park, said: "While being enthusiastic about sustainable energy, we have to look after the environment.

"People come to Cutteslowe Park to enjoy the greenery, so I don't know whether a turbine would help with that."