King's Lynn: MOD objects to new Estuary Road wind turbine

KL Technologies applied to build the turbine, with a tip height of 100m, on its site on Estuary Road, in King's Lynn.

But a report to West Norfolk council's planning committee says the defence ministry has objected, raising fears about its impact on air traffic control systems used at nearby RAF Marham.

In its statement, the MoD said: "The principal safeguarding concerns with respect to this development relate to the impact of the proposed wind turbine on the operation and capability of air traffic control radar sited at RAF Marham and introduction of a physical obstruction to air traffic movements.

"Maintaining situational awareness of all aircraft movements within the airspace is crucial to achieving a safe and efficient air traffic service, and the integrity of radar data is central to this process."

It adds the turbine is proposed for an area where aircraft routinely fly at an altitude of 250ft during low-level training.

The turbine would be sited next to the existing turbine on KLT's site off Estuary Road in King's Lynn (Image: Google)

KLT said the project "is about jobs, about being a responsible employer and good neighbour".

It adds the business has already invested in 6,000 solar panels and a turbine on the site, which became operational in 2014.

KLT said existing contracts for energy it buys which shield it against recent price rises expire in 2024 and it would not be able to operate if it had to pay current energy prices.

"This project is now about protecting the 200 jobs on the King's Lynn site and others in the local supply chain," it warns. "The necessity and timing of this project is now critical."  

The report says there are also concerns over the impact of shadow flicker from the turbine on people living near the site and that it is "unacceptable in principle".

Officials have recommended councillors refuse the application when they meet on Monday, March 6.