Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
25
Feb 2021
Menwith Hill to expand with new 'golf ball'
Harrogate Borough Council has granted the Ministry of Defence planning permission to build a new 30-metre high radome and electrical substation at RAF Menwith Hill.
It follows an application last year from the MoD to build three more radomes at the site, which was also passed.
There are now over 30 distinctive radomes, or “golf balls”, at the secretive site. The radomes are believed to house satellites and transmitters.
Washburn Parish Council said it was concerned by the expansion, as well as the detrimental visual impact created by the new radome.
However, it said it "recognises the important security roll" that Menwith Hill plays.
Read more:
Menwith Hill protest to take place tomorrow
American expats in Harrogate count down to Biden inauguration
In granting the application, council case officer Mike Parkes said the national security benefits of the radome outweighed its "harmful effects" on the Nidderdale landscape.
Built in the 1950s on the edge of Nidderdale, Menwith Hill is the United States’ largest overseas surveillance base.
Since 2000, protestors have taken part in a weekly demonstration outside Menwith Hill, which has been halted due to lockdown.
Sarah Swift, from the Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign group, said:
0