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MoD objects to 200m wind turbines near RAF base
UK Ministry of Defence objects to 200m wind turbines in North Yorkshire due to 'unacceptable interference' with RAF operations.
In brief
UK Ministry of Defence objects to 200m wind turbines in North Yorkshire due to 'unacceptable interference' with RAF operations. UK Ministry of Defence joins Lord Botham in objecting to 200m-high wind turbines in North Yorkshire countryside because they could cause 'unacceptable interference' with RAF radar and…
MoD objects to wind turbines
The Ministry of Defence has objected to plans to install 200m-high wind turbines in North Yorkshire over fears they would cause major disruption to RAF operations.
Hope Moor Wind Farm details
Proposals for Hope Moor Wind Farm include 23 turbines reaching 200 metres above ground level across County Durham and Yorkshire Dales.
NSIP status
The project has been deemed a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project requiring approval from energy secretary Ed Miliband.
MoD concerns
The MoD claims the turbines could cause 'unacceptable interference' with radar at RAF Leeming and an air defence radar 108km away.
“unacceptable interference”
Flight risk
The MoD also raised concerns that turbines could pose a risk to RAF aircraft flying as low as 76m during training exercises.
Lord Botham's criticism
Former England cricketer Lord Botham criticized the government for acting 'like a cricket team trying to knock down their own stumps'.
“like a cricket team trying to knock down their own stumps”
Lord Botham's warning
He warned that with Russia and Iran testing defenses, the UK should not make life difficult for RAF pilots protecting skies.
Lord Botham's analogy
He compared the turbines to 'giant obstacle courses' for pilots flying at 500mph through the hills.
“giant obstacle courses”
Lord Botham's criticism of London
He stated people in London would never tolerate 200m turbines in their favorite parks.
Lord Botham's northern perspective
He argued northerners should not passively watch as moors are turned into industrial estates.
Fred Olsen Renewables
Fred Olsen Renewables claims the project could power 135,000 homes while meeting climate targets.
Conservative councillor's stance
Conservative councillor Angus Thompson called the MoD's warning the 'nail in the coffin' for the scheme.
“nail in the coffin”
Councillor's concerns
He stated the desecration of landscape and high costs were already major concerns, now national security is threatened.
DESNZ response
DESNZ said all onshore wind projects undergo rigorous planning considering defense, community and environmental impacts.
Project status
Energy secretary Ed Miliband will have final say on the development as it is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
Here's the gist
UK Ministry of Defence joins Lord Botham in objecting to 200m-high wind turbines in North Yorkshire countryside because they could cause 'unacceptable interference' with RAF radar and aircraft operations.
