# 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.
- Title: MoD objects to 200m wind turbines near RAF base · Dailymail
- Summary: UK Ministry of Defence objects to 200m wind turbines in North Yorkshire due to 'unacceptable interference' with RAF operations. UK Ministry of Defence joins…
- Keywords: mod, raffle, wind turbines, north yorkshire, energy secretary, defence infrastructure, national security, climate targets, renewable energy, news, entertainment, objects
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16192835/MoD-joins-Lord-Botham-objection-200m-high-wind-turbines-North-Yorkshire-countryside-unacceptable-interference-RAF-base.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-08T17:01:24+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: uk, mod, raffle, wind turbines, north yorkshire, energy secretary, defence infrastructure, national security, climate targets, renewable energy, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.