§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he intends to object, for operational flying reasons, to the erection of six wind turbines at Guestwick in Norfolk. [166043]
§ Ivor Caplin(holding answer 19 April 2004): An objection to the current proposals will be lodged on the basis of potential interference with the operation of both air traffic and air defence radar. The developer has been notified.
The main reasons are that the proposed development is situated within 22km and in line of sight of the Air Traffic Radar at RAF Coltishall and within 16km and line of sight of the radar at RAF Honington. The blades of wind turbines can produce false returns or mask the detection of flying aircraft. It is the view of our specialist technical advisers, who have considered the proposal, 438W that such a development could place the safety of flight in danger and therefore pose an unacceptable risk to personnel, aircraft and people on the ground.
In addition the site lies within 27km and line of sight of the Air Defence Radar at RAF Trimingham.
However, officials from Defence Estates are discussing with the developer whether any mitigating measures might be possible which would allow a development to proceed.