Last updated at 11:55, Friday, 30 May 2008

The Ministry of Defence has withdrawn its objection to the Fleeter Wood wind turbines near Dearham, outraging opponents who claim that local and national security is being compromised.

The ministry acknowledges that the turbines are in line of sight of an air traffic control radar at RAF Spadeadam in the north of the county.

But, after initially objecting to the Fleeter Wood scheme, it has now assessed the anticipated effect as “manageable.”

Novera Energy plans to build five 105 metre turbines at Fleeter, next to West House, Dearham.

The MOD objected that the turbines would interfere with radar capabilities and prevent the RAF from providing a full air traffic radar control service in the area.

The objection has now been withdrawn but there is no suggestion that any risk has gone.

In a letter to Allerdale council’s planning department, the MOD has made it clear that even the slightest change to the submitted plan could have serious consequences.

It says: “If the application is altered in any way we must be consulted again as even the slightest change could unacceptably affect us.”

The MOD will also want to be informed about the start and finish date for the construction of turbines and would need to be notified if any more were to be built in the area.

First published at 11:38, Friday, 30 May 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk