MoD says wind farm could weaken UK air defences

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has objected to proposals for a wind farm in the East Yorkshire Wolds, claiming it would adversely impact the UK's air defences and jet pilot's training exercises.

Ridge Clean Energy is seeking permission to build six wind turbines as part of the Three Oaks Renewable Energy Park Extension at Burton Agnes, near Driffield.

In its objection, the MoD said the turbines would interfere with radar systems and become a "physical obstruction to low-flying aircraft".

Richard Barker from Ridge Clean Energy said it would "seek to identify appropriate mitigation measures".

The MoD's objection outlined concerns about the size and location of the proposed turbine field.

In its submission to East Riding of Yorkshire Council, it said that some low-flying training exercises in the area can be "as low as 250ft (76.2m)" and the turbines, at 491ft, could present a physical obstruction.

The MoD said it was concerned that the turbines could also reduce the RAF's ability to "detect and deter aircraft" in UK airspace.

"The turbines will be located approximately 14.9km from, be detectable by, and will cause unacceptable interference to the AD [air defence] radar at RRH Staxton Wold," its submission said.

Separately, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it objected to the plan: "Based on our preliminary technical findings, the proposed development does conflict with our safeguarding criteria."

The wind turbines would produce enough renewable electricity for 24,000 local homes, according to the developer.

Each turbine would be 491ft (149m) from base to blade tip.

Barker said: "Following the feedback received from the MoD and NATS we look forward to discussing their concerns to seek to identify appropriate mitigation measures."

Local people opposed to the scheme have formed the Keep Wind Off Woldgate campaign.

They say they are worried about the visual impact of the proposed project on the rural landscape that characterises the area.

Artist Carol Bliss said she was fearful that a region made famous by the artist David Hockney was about to be "industrialised".

"Everything about East Yorkshire is beautiful, it's why we moved here and I think David Hockney would be both astonished and horrified by what is being planned," she said.

Resident Kevin Casada said the area was "often busy" with military aircraft.

"We get a lot of traffic from the RAF and from the US Air Force, and a lot of low-flying, some of it lower than what these turbines will be," he said.

Barker said: "We have been working with the community for the past five years to build trust, listen to residents, and understand their needs and aspirations."

He added the project would help meet the "urgent need for more renewable energy".

The planning application from Ridge Clean Energy is expected to be considered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council later this year.

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