MoD warns 23-turbine Yorkshire Dales wind farm could interfere with military radar
MoD and NATS warn 23-turbine Hope Moor Wind Farm near the Yorkshire Dales could disrupt RAF
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has warned that the turbines from a proposed wind farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales would cause unacceptable interference with military radar systems and could pose a danger to low-flying aircraft.
MoD officials say the Hope Moor Wind Farm, planned for moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale, would interfere with radar at RAF Leeming and an air defence installation in Northumberland.
Renewable energy company Fred. Olsen Renewables is proposing to build 23 turbines, each over 200 metres in height, near the Stang Forest.
The scheme is being considered through the nationally significant infrastructure planning process.
In a formal response to the Planning Inspectorate as part of a scoping exercise, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which is responsible for managing MoD sites, warned that the development could compromise defence capabilities.
It stated: “The turbines will be 30km from, detectable by, and will cause unacceptable interference to the ATC radar sited at RAF Leeming.”
The DIO explained that wind turbines can interfere with radar systems by creating unwanted aircraft detections and potentially obscuring genuine aircraft movements.
It warned that interference could prevent aircraft from being detected by radar and could increase the workload of air traffic controllers responsible for separating military and civilian aircraft.
The organisation also raised concerns about the impact on an air defence radar installation at Remote Radar Head Brizlee Wood in Northumberland.
The MoD said interference with this radar could reduce the RAF's ability to detect and deter aircraft in UK airspace, potentially compromising its air defence responsibilities.
Further concerns were raised about the wind farm's location within a low-flying area, where military aircraft can fly as low as 250ft.
It said that conditions would be required to ensure turbines were fitted with aviation safety lighting and accurately recorded on aviation charts.
The MoD also requested further consultation on proposals for the wind farm's electricity grid connection, once more detailed plans become available.
Further concerns have been raised by the National Air Traffic Services (NATS), which has formally objected to the proposal, warning that the development would cause unacceptable interference with air traffic control radar.
Euan Hutchison, Fred. Olsen UK development director, said the company was “continuing to engage with the Ministry of Defence, local communities and other stakeholders as the project develops’.
He added: “We recognise the importance of getting this right and will continue working through technical and environmental considerations as part of the planning process.
“Hope Moor has the potential to bring long-term investment to the area while generating clean, home-grown energy that can help power homes and businesses for decades to come.”
On Sunday, former England cricketer Lord Ian Botham will join campaigners for a walk across Barningham Moor as part of a campaign against the wind farm.
The star will join up to 200 people taking part in the Walk for Hope Moor organised by the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group.
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Suzy Wilson, group founder, said: “We are a grassroots organisation doing our utmost to prevent the inappropriate industrialisation of this stunning wildlife haven, but we very much welcome the comments from the MoD and NATS at a time of very genuine and justifiable concerns about our national defence.
“We would of course be delighted if the project is abandoned in the interest of protecting national security.”
Councillor Angus Thompson, whose North Richmondshire division includes some of the proposed wind farm site, described the MoD's response as the “nail in the coffin” for the scheme.
“This hopeless project should be abandoned without delay,” he added.