Fears huge new solar farm 'will disrupt RAF radar' - as big as 1,000 football pitches
The ambitious project would be one of the UK's biggest solar farms if approved (Image: Getty)A huge solar farm planned for land near RAF Marham in Norfolk would "interfere with radar" at the central UK airbase, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has warned. In a blow to the Labour Government's renewable energy drive, which has seen solar projects green-lit around the country, the MoD said the 2,075-acre development would impact the airbase's "ability to accurately detect and track aircraft" at "critical" moments.The project, named The Droves, is among the largest solar developments proposed in the UK, and would span the equivalent of 1,175 football pitches if approved.Christopher Waldren, representing the MoD, said in a written objection that glare from the site's metal panels would interfere with radar at the RAF's main base for its F-35 Lightning jets. Mr Waldren also warned that RAF pilots and air traffic control staff could be dazzled by the panels and raised the alarm over plans for new wetland to offset habitat loss, which could pose a "birdstrike hazard" to aircraft.RAF Marham is the main base for F-35 Lightning jets (Image: James Linsell-Clark / SWNS.com)Island Green Power, the firm behind the development, said it was working with the MoD "with the aim of identifying an appropriate solution".The company's project development manager Harman Sond told the BBC: "We are confident this matter can be resolved through ongoing discussions."We have also assessed potential glint and glare effects and are considering appropriate mitigation measures."Island Green Power says the solar farm will generate up to 500 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 115,000 homes a year.The Droves has already generated significant local backlash, however, with many against the idea of 2,800 acres of countryside near Swaffham, West Norfolk, being covered with solar panels.Sculptor Antony Gormley, best known for creating the Angel of the North, described it as a "massive industrial development" in a submission to the Planning Inspectorate in March.Mr Gormley claimed to be a "passionate supporter" of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy but labelled the scheme "a profit grab at the cost of a special and much-loved area of farmland, fields, woods and lanes" in a "tucked-away corner of England".James Wild, Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, also objected to the scheme, suggesting it posed "significant harm to heritage, agricultural and and communities that is not outweighted by the benefits".The decision on the project's future rests with the Government, rather than local authorities, because of its status as a nationally significant infrastructure project, with Energy Minister Ed Miliband to be given the final say following a consultation.
