Moves to build a wind turbine near South Hinksey would damage "iconic views" of Oxford, the city council has been warned.

Council leaders have given the go-ahead for a detailed examination of four possible sites for Oxford's first wind turbines - all on city council owned land.

But they were immediately warned by Oxford Preservation Trust the move would send out the dangerous message even the city's world famous views were no longer protected.

A detailed study will examine whether the "community scale" turbines, which generate electricity, could be built close to Hinksey Heights Golf Club and at Cutteslowe Park.

Villagers say it would be an abomination on a highly sensitive site outside the city.

Each turbine would be 80m high, with 45m blades, meaning its size would be comparable to the length of a football pitch.

The two new sites join land near the BMW car factory at Cowley and at Sandford Brake, south of Greater Leys, which were singled out as prime locations for the 125m tall generators earlier this year.

Oxford Preservation Trust director Debbie Dance warned that the proposal to put up a wind turbine at Chilswell Farm, near South Hinksey, would be bitterly opposed.

She said: "We are obviously concerned to think there will be sites all around the city. But to propose this within the dreaming spires on city council owned land seems just extraordinary. What sort of a message does this send out, particularly when the effect of the pylons at South Hinksey are there for everyone to see?"

The Preservation Trust owns substantial areas of land nearby on Boars Hill and the Hinksey area, acquired to protect the views of the dreaming spires.

South Hinksey Parish Council chairman Clive Briffett said: "It has not come to the parish council yet. But I believe it would have a big impact on the views of Oxford enjoyed by anyone who comes to the higher ground, or lives up there.

"And people looking out from Oxford want to enjoy Green Belt countryside, not see great big turbines."

The South Hinksey site, though owned by the city, is actually within the Vale of White Horse District council boundary. And the Vale would ultimately have to decide on what would be a highly controversial planning issue.

Local Vale councillor Gareth Jennings said: "Although I'm in favour of renewable energy, Oxford should be protecting its greatest asset, the historic skyline and view of the architecture.

"I feel this would be a blot on the landscape. I would also be worried about the noise."

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

But Oxford City Council leader John Goddard said: "We should remind people these turbines are very quiet - they are even quieter than the wind itself."

A report to the council said each site could take up to six turbines, each providing enough power for 1,110 homes.