CITY councillors are likely to debate the pros and cons of allowing the Co-op to set up an 85-metre wind turbine off the Botley Road.

Midcounties Co-operative wants to build a wind turbine to supply power for its headquarters in Botley Road and its supermarket in Botley.

The proposed site is inside the city boundary between Seacourt park-and-ride and the A34.

Tony Joyce, chairman of Oxford Civic Society, warned that the turbine could damage views of Oxford's world-famous dreaming spires.

At first, the city council said the planning application would be dealt with by planning officers.

But now, Susanna Pressel, Labour city councillor for Jericho and Osney, has pledged to seek the support of three other councillors to get the matter "called in" to the central, south and west area committee. Ms Pressel, who is the Labour group's environment spokesman, said: "I think this matter is too important to be decided by officers alone. There needs to be proper public consultation over this and a proper debate.

The matter could be discussed at the central, south and west committee on June 12, or on a date yet to be fixed in July.