RAF chiefs fear pilots’ lives are being put at risk by the number of windfarms in the Moray area.
Papers lodged with the Scottish Government show military top brass are worried that turbines are jeopardising the safety of fast jets returning to the key Lossiemouth base at speeds of up to 500mph.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is fighting to block plans for four huge new wind turbines south of the base, and officials say existing windfarms in the area are already causing a “significant operational issue”. They say more masts would cause “unacceptable interference” – and the situation is getting out of hand.
Under the plans, four 360ft turbines would go up at Bodinfinnoch, Keith. It was rejected by Moray Council this year, but the Reading-based developer has appealed to Scottish ministers, insisting the structures would be safe.
Turbines show up on radar and are difficult to distinguish from small aircraft, so RAF planes steer six miles clear of them.
But with Typhoon jets due to move to Lossiemouth next summer, and the number of turbines nearby growing, air force bosses say they are struggling to cope with any further developments.
MoD chiefs have already successfully fought off dozens of wind turbine projects in the north-east. They claim an abundance of the masts is compromising vital radar equipment at RAF Buchan.
An objection from the MoD is seen as a kiss of death to turbine developments in Aberdeenshire, as councillors are unlikely to support a proposal classed as a national security risk. Several schemes have been rejected or withdrawn after MoD opposition.
Squadron Leader Michelle Betts has told the government the airspace to the south-east of RAF Lossiemouth is “vitally important” to UK defences.
She said more turbines would affect air traffic controllers’ ability to provide a route to base for aircraft which could be low on fuel. She said the clutter could result in genuine aircraft not being properly detected.
The MoD says Bodinfinnoch would cause “unacceptable further degradation” to the integrity of its radar readings south of the base. It adds the imminent arrival of Typhoons will “add to intensity and complexity of air operations round Lossiemouth”.
The company behind the plans, Wind Ventures, maintains its project would be safe, and the MoD has failed to prove there would be interference.
“It is submitted that the construction and operation of four turbines would not give rise to any safety or operational concerns in relation to the provision of radar services at RAF Lossiemouth,” it says in its submission.
“It is clear that the proposed windfarm would give rise to real benefits, in terms of its contribution towards national and international targets for the promotion of renewable generation and the UK’s and Scotland’s obligations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”
Neal MacPherson, Moray Council planning officer, has backed the MoD and also urged the government to reject the plan.