Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 209251

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

In order to provide a broader representation of MOD interests, and to ensure prospective developers are aware of the implications of developing within an area containing MOD safeguarded zones, the joint Local Plan for Greater Cambridge should include at future stages of the Local Plan, policy wording that makes clear that only those applications for development which would not compromise, restrict or otherwise degrade the operational capability of safeguarded MOD sites and/or assets will be supported.

The MOD asks that the plan contain clear safeguarding language is used to prevent any development – including tall buildings, wind turbines or large solar‑PV installations – from compromising the operation of defence assets such as the East Wide Area Multilateration network and aviation safety, and that any proposals that would do so be refused or subject to conditions.

Support

Representation ID: 211874

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

The MOD notes and welcomes the provision within Policy CC/RE: Renewable and energy projects and infrastructure:

“Proposals for development that generate energy from renewable and low carbon sources, including associated infrastructure, grid connections and storage, will be supported, provided that they do not cause unacceptable impacts, including cumulative and cross-boundary impacts, on: [...] g. aviation apparatus and air traffic safety [...]”

The MOD has, in principle, no objection to any renewable energy development, though some infrastructure enabling renewable energy production, for example wind turbine generators can, by virtue of their physical dimensions and properties, impact upon military aviation activities, cause obstruction to protected critical airspace surrounding military aerodromes, or impede the operation of safeguarded defence technical installations.

Comment

Representation ID: 211875

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Where turbines are erected in line of sight to defence radars and other types of defence technical installations, the rotating motion of their blades can degrade and cause interference to the effective operation of these types of installations potentially resulting in detriment to aviation safety and operational capability. This potential is recognised in the Government’s online Planning Practice Guidance which contains, within the Renewable and Low Carbon Energy section, specific guidance that both developers and Local Planning Authorities should consult the MOD where a proposed turbine has a tip height of, or exceeding 11m, and/or has a rotor diameter of, or exceeding 2m.

Solar PV development can compromise the operation of communications and other technical assets by introducing substantial areas of metal that degrade signals and, depending on the location of development, may produce glint and glare to the detriment of aviation safety.

The MOD request that any emerging policy makes clear that, where an MOD assessment indicates that a development would have a detrimental impact on the operation and capability of defence assets or sites, that such an application would be refused or that conditions may be attached to any consent that might be issued which may include the removal of permitted development rights.