Ministry of Defence Objects to North Yorkshire Wind Turbines Over Radar Interference
The Ministry of Defence has raised objections to a proposed wind farm in North Yorkshire, citing potential "unacceptable interference" with RAF radar operations and aircraft safety.
Plans for the Hope Moor Wind Farm, which would feature 23 turbines reaching 200 meters in height, have drawn opposition from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) due to concerns over radar interference. The proposed development is located in a scenic area spanning parts of County Durham and the Yorkshire Dales.
The scale of the project has led to it being classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), meaning final approval rests with the Energy Secretary.
According to a letter seen by the Daily Mail, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which manages the military estate, expressed worries that the wind farm could disrupt radar at RAF Leeming, situated approximately 30 kilometers away. Further concerns were raised regarding potential interference with an air defence radar located at Brizzlee Wood in Northumberland, approximately 108 kilometers away.
The MoD also highlighted the height of the proposed turbines as a potential risk to RAF aircraft, which conduct low-level training flights, sometimes as low as 76 meters above ground.
Lord Botham, a crossbench peer and former England cricketer who lives near the proposed site, has been campaigning against the development. He criticized the government's approach, stating, "With Russia and Iran testing our defences, this is no time to make life difficult for RAF pilots protecting our skies."
Fred Olsen Renewables, the company behind the Hope Moor project, asserts that the wind farm could generate enough renewable electricity to power around 135,000 homes and contribute to climate targets. The company selected the location due to its favorable wind conditions.
Conservative councillor Angus Thompson of North Yorkshire Council echoed the MoD's concerns, calling the project a "desecration of the landscape" and arguing that the "monster turbines threaten national security and the lives of pilots."
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) stated that the department works closely with the MoD and that all onshore wind projects undergo a rigorous planning process that considers defense, security, community views, and environmental impacts.