MOD warns Yorkshire Dales wind farm plan would blind RAF radar and endanger low-flying jets

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 11 October 2026.

The Ministry of Defence has raised a formal objection to a scheme proposing 23 turbines, each standing more than 200 metres tall, on moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale. The MOD warns that the Hope Moor Wind Farm would cause "unacceptable interference" to air defence radar at Remote Radar Head Brizlee Wood in Northumberland and to air traffic control radar at RAF Leeming. According to the MOD, the turbines would generate false radar returns, mask real aircraft from detection, and obstruct low-flying military jets operating in an established RAF training area. Developer Fred. Olsen Renewables says it is working with the MOD and other stakeholders to find "practical solutions where needed". The project is being assessed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project after Labour lifted the onshore wind farm ban in 2024.

The MOD has also raised objections to a separate wind farm proposal in the East Yorkshire Wolds on the same air defence and pilot training grounds.

Campaigners have branded the scheme the "devastating industrialisation" of Yorkshire Dales moorland, with local councillor Angus Thompson among those leading the opposition.

At this height, the turbines could blind radar up to 67 miles away, the MOD warns — meaning enemy or unknown aircraft could slip through UNDETECTED.