Wind farm near bases could invite sabotage, says MP

Building a major wind farm near two air bases could invite "sabotage" from hostile nations, an MP has warned.

Nick Timothy, the Conservative MP for West Suffolk, questioned the suitability of building Redmere Wind Farm near the key US Air Force (USAF) bases of RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, which are in his constituency.

Up to 32 turbines could be built at the site which encompasses the Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire borders.

Vattenfall, the Swedish state-owned developer behind the plans, which are at an early stage, said it would be consulting residents about its proposal.

The firm said the turbines - which might be up to 721ft (220m) tall - could power nearly 220,000 homes a year when operational.

The final plans are due to be submitted in autumn 2027.

"I have warned repeatedly that battery energy storage systems near important airbases is an invitation for hostile states and others to commit acts of sabotage," Timothy said.

"There are also questions about building an enormous wind farm near the bases."

His concerns were echoed by Tristan Gale, Reform UK's cabinet member for planning at Suffolk County Council, who said: "These things are in the flight path and they are huge, they are massive.

"They are going to affect the radars for an air station."

Guidance published on the Ministry of Defence website states it should be consulted if a proposed turbine is 11m (36ft) high or more.

"Wind turbines can adversely affect a number of MoD operations including radars, seismological recording equipment, communications facilities, naval operations and low flying," it said.

Due to the scale of the project, Vattenfall can bypass the local planning authority and instead seek permission directly from central government.

Sites surrounding the Shippea Hill railway station have been earmarked for the development.

A Vattenfall spokesman said: "Redmere wind farm could make a major contribution to cleaner, more secure energy systems while bringing jobs and investment to the local area.

"Vattenfall is working on design proposals and environmental work, so we want local people to meet the team, learn more and help shape the project from the outset."

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been contacted for comment, as has RAF Lakenheath.

Do you have a story suggestion? Contact us below.

Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.