PLANS to build the North-East's biggest wind farm have been delayed over fears about its possible impact on Teesside Airport.

The airport's management is not happy about possible effects of wind turbines on its radar equipment and wants more time to consult the Civil Aviation Authority.

It could be June before Redcar and Cleveland councillors get a chance to discuss the project, which is earmarked for derelict land at the former Corus steelworks near Redcar. The issue should have been debated by the planning committee yesterday, but was withdrawn from the agenda on Tuesday.

Planning officer Doreen Mealing said: "The airport wants more time to consider parts of the scheme which relate to radar."

Committee chairman Councillor Helen McLuckie said: "This has to be right. We can't take any chances."

The wind farm is proposed for the northern end of the site and further schemes could be submitted for the southern section, as well as an off-shore site. The 18 turbines would be 100 metres high, with each one having three blades 80 metres wide. The maximum height to the tip of the blade would be 140 metres.

If all three sections of the scheme went ahead, they could generate enough power for 30,000 households. The proposal is part of a number of ideas for regenerating the area in the wake of steel job losses.

The turbines would be 30kms away from the airport and the management has indicated it is not satisfied there would be no unforeseen effects. For this reason, it has asked developers Amec for a £180,000 bond to cover such an occurrence.

An airport spokesman said yesterday: "The 18 turbines could degrade radar signals and be a hazard to aircraft."