Plans for a huge wind monitoring mast near Tewkesbury have sparked mass opposition.

The borough council has received 144 letters from people living close to the proposed site, to the east of Brockeridge Common, near Twyning.

At 70 metres, the mast would be nearly one-and-a-half times the height of Tewkesbury Abbey.

It would be supported by four sets of seven guy wires, which would be attached to eight steel reinforced anchors.

Wind Prospect Developments Ltd wants to install it for two years to measure wind speed and direction. It would use the information as part of its plan to have three massive wind turbines at nearby Upper Strensham.

An application for the turbines has yet to be submitted, but is expected shortly.

Residents opposed to the project fear if the wind monitoring mast is allowed, it would make it more likely that the turbines would be too.

Although the mast would be much smaller than the 126m turbines, villagers still feel it would spoil the countryside.

They say it would be above the tree line of Harbour Wood and would be "highly visible".

Objectors also fear the mast could pose a health risk to people using footpaths in the area, distract motorists on the nearby M50 and intrude into air space used by the County Air Ambulance and other aircraft.

Twyning, Ripple and Strensham parish councils have all objected to the application, which will be considered by the borough's planning committee on January 6.

But in a report to councillors, planning officers are recommending approval.

They say: "Given the wider economic and social benefits that could possibly be achieved with renewable energy, it is considered that the proposed mast for a temporary period of two years would have an acceptable impact on the landscape."

The officers say the mast would not pose a risk to residents' health and would not distract motorway drivers or impact on aircraft.

Strensham Wind Action Group is fighting the planned wind turbines as it fears they would be an eyesore, noisy and might devalue homes.

It has collected hundreds of names on a petition, calling for them to be placed at least 2km away from Upper Strensham.

Wind Prospect says the turbines would provide clean and green electricity.

It says the monitoring mast would provide it with detailed and site specific information about the wind in the area.

David Wallbank, chairman of SWAG, said residents were right to be wary of the mast.

He said: "It will only lead to a further application for the wind farm itself.

"I'm concerned the council has got its mind made up on this, regardless of what local people think."