MoD objects to huge Norfolk solar farm it says will disrupt crucial radar |
The Ministry of Defence has lodged an objection to the Droves project, which would see 2,800 acres of countryside near Swaffham covered with panels.
Officials say the highly reflective metal materials in the proposed arrays could hamper the precision approach radar at Marham - the RAF's main base for its F-35 Lightning jets.
RAF Marham (Image: Mike Page)
They say some sections of the Droves development would be only about three-and-a-half miles away from RAF Marham's runway 23.
In their letter of objection to the scheme, defence officials state: "The MoD has determined that, due to the metallic content and highly reflective nature of the materials used in the construction of the arrays, those areas of photovoltaic arrays within these fields in radar line of sight to the precision approach radar will be a source of multi-path reflections of the radar's transmissions.
"This would cause interference to the precision approach radar impacting upon its ability to accurately detect and track aircraft during critical stages of their approach to runway 23.
"The MoD, therefore, objects to this application in its current form."
Proposals for The Droves Solar Farm (Image: Island Green Power)
The MoD has also raised concerns that RAF Marham's pilots and air traffic control tower staff could be dazzled by glare reflected off solar panels.
Officials said: "The introduction of solar photovoltaic development close to RAF Marham has the potential to have an impact on aviation safety through glint and glare effects."
They say that could "be a hazard to aircraft engaged in landing or take-off procedures or circuiting at the aerodrome, by dazzling pilots at critical stages of flight".
Officials said: "In addition, glare emissions from the proposed development may also have an adverse effect upon the air traffic control tower at the aerodrome."
They have requested that the developers come up with a suitable glint and glare management plan to prevent that from happening.
The MoD also asks that it be consulted over plans to create new wetland for skylarks and curlews to offset habitats which will be lost because of the development.
Officials say consultation is needed to avoid the creation of a "birdstrike hazard to aircraft operating at RAF Marham".
The proposed solar farm - one of a number put forward in Norfolk - has already proved hugely controversial, with critics raising concerns about the loss of farmland and the impact on the countryside.
Castle Acre (Image: Mike Page)
Island Green Power, the company behind the scheme, says it will generate up to 500 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 115,000 homes a year.
The application for the Droves - which includes a battery energy storage system - is being treated as a nationally significant infrastructure project, seen as crucial to the government's net zero drive and the reduction of dependency on fossil fuels.
That means it does not go through the usual planning process. Instead a planning inspectors will consider evidence and representations, including through a series of hearings.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband (Image: PA)
After the hearings, the inspector will make a recommendation to energy secretary Ed Miliband, who makes the final decision.
The first hearings will take place at King's Lynn Town Hall next Wednesday (May 6) and Thursday (May 7).
As part of the hearing on Thursday, inspector Anthony Johnson has asked Island Green Power to comment on how it proposes to avoid interference from the proposed development with RAF Marham’s precision approach radar.
He will also ask it to explain its proposed approach to develop a glint and glare management plan and how it considers the scheme complies with policies to reduce the risk of bird strikes near aerodromes.
Harman Sond, the Droves project development manager, said: "Supported by a team of technical specialists we are continuing to engage proactively with the Ministry of Defence in relation to the precision approach radar at RAF Marham, with the aim of identifying an appropriate solution.
"We are confident that this matter can be resolved through ongoing discussions.
"We have also assessed potential glint and glare effects and are considering appropriate mitigation measures.
"Further detail on both matters will be provided and considered as part of the examination process."