A BARRISTER has claimed a proposed wind farm could pose a major radar risk for Southend Airport.

Simon Randle made the claim at a public inquiry into NPower Renewables plan to build ten wind turbines at Hockley Farm in Bradwell.

Mr Randle said the 121m-high turbines would show up on air traffic controllers’ radar and possibly obscure aircraft.

Speaking at an inquiry, held at Three Rivers Golf and Country Club, Cold Norton, Mr Randle said: “Up to 75 per cent of each of the turbines will be visible on radar. The problem comes from the effect of the clutter masking aircraft and desensitisation.

“Aircraft travelling in a straight line at consistent speed would potentially be lost for one minute 15 seconds.”

David Hardy, speaking on behalf of NPower, said the risk was negligible. In his closing statement, Mr Hardy said: “It is only every two days pilots would even have to think about moving away from the turbines.”

Mr Hardy added there was no question the windfarm would affect plans to expand Southend Airport. Inspector Robert Mellor presided over the 12-day inquiry. A decision will follow in the coming months.

It was the second time the application has gone to a public inquiry. A previous appeal by Npower against the council’s decision to refuse planning permission was successful, but the decision was quashed in the High Court in January 2008.