North East Cambridge Area Action Plan Issues and Options 2019

Thank you for consulting the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in relation to the above consultation.

The MODs principle concern with respect to development in the North Cambridge Fringe Area Action Plan 2019 is ensuring that structures, particularly tall buildings do not cause an obstruction to air traffic movements at MOD aerodromes or compromise the operation of air navigational transmitter/receiver facilities located in the area.

As you will be aware air traffic approaches and technical installation at MOD aerodromes are protected with statutory safeguarding zones which identify height consultation zones in the area surrounding MOD aerodromes relative to topography and distance from site.

The MOD height and technical safeguarding zones for the main operational base of Cambridge aerodrome extend over the North Cambridge Fringe Area referenced as figure 3.1 in the Issues and Options paper.

The district is also covered by the statutory birdstrike safeguarding zone encompassing Cambridge airfield. In these zones the MOD reviews the development of waste management facilities; quarry restoration; wetland features as these have the potential to attract and support large and, or, flocking bird species hazardous to aircraft safety.

I would like to register the following comments with respect to chapter 7 Building Heights and Skylines.

The designated area for development occupies the statutory 15.2m aerodrome height and technical safeguarding consultation zone surrounding Cambridge airport. Therefore, any development exceeding this height should be referred to this office for assessment.

The inclusion of green /brown roofs as part of sustainability should also be referred to this office due to their potential to attract flocking bird species hazardous to air traffic safety.

On reviewing the above consultation and matters of Sustainablility the MOD would be interested with the implementation of biomass, solar heating and the use of photovoltaic cells. The MODs concern relates to the potential for biomass due to flue stacks which could potentially infringe statutory height safeguarding surfaces. In relation to the use of solar panels or PV cells the MOD is concerned due to the potential increased risk of glare hazardous to air traffic procedures and critical stages of the flight process i.e. take off and landing.

A further MOD concern affecting Cambridgeshire District relates to the development of wind turbines due to their potential to create a physical obstruction to air traffic movements and cause interference to Air Traffic Control radar installations.

The MOD understands the requirement for Cambridgeshire District to implement carbon neutral facilities to tackle climate change, therefore the MOD wish to be consulted through the planning consultation process.

I trust this adequately explains our position on this matter.