RAF fears fighter jets flying as low as 250ft could hit 650ft wind farm

Military chiefs have objected to plans to extend a Scots windfarm amid fears RAF jets could crash into its huge turbines.

Energy firm Boralex wants to build 22 turbines up to 650ft high to extend the Cabrach wind farm in Clashindarroch, Aberdeenshire.

The new blades would reach far higher than the 18 existing 360ft turbines at the site and another 14 turbines measuring 590ft that are due to come online.

But the Ministry of Defence has objected due to concerns that pilots might fly their jets into them when conducting training exercises that can see the craft drop down as low as 250ft.

The MoD is represented in planning matters by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which has submitted a formal objection to the Clashindarroch extension, around five miles south of Dufftown in Moray and Huntly in Aberdeenshire.

Documents submitted by the MoD say the 22 turbines would interfere with at least one of its RAF radar sites as well as posing a ‘physical obstruction’.

It states: ‘The principal safeguarding concerns of the MOD with respect to this wind farm development relate to the development being detectable by one or more MOD radars as specified, and for the potential for the turbine to introduce/form a physical obstruction to air traffic movements.’

It also said the development falls within a ‘low flying area’ where aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth regularly carry out training flights as low as 250ft above ground level.

Documents submitted by Boralex ahead of the MoD’s objection stated that the company had already made changes to its plans to minimise the effect of the turbines – describing the impact as ‘negligible’. 

These changes included altering the final layout of the turbines from initial proposals.

The firm, which is based in Canada, has said the turbines are necessary for Scotland to meet its bid to become net-zero by 2045.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, who is MP for Moray, said: ‘The Cabrach has already seen a number of new wind turbines approved and there is understandable and growing opposition to this third wave of new wind farm developments.

‘I hope the views and objections of the local community and consultees such as the MoD are not only heard, but also acted on, and this latest application is refused.’

Cabrach residents have voiced concerns about the number of turbines proposed for the area.

The Cabrach Trust said the area had already reached saturation point and any more risks destroying the community.

An MoD spokesman said: ‘We have engaged with the consultation process and will make further substantive representations of our position, if necessary.’