News: Observatory objects to new home on Drove Road
The Science and Technology Facilities Council, on behalf of Chilbolton Observatory, has objected to a proposed development on the upper part of Drove Road.
Mr Adam Trigg, Head of Estate Development at STFC, today lodged an objection to an application to build a four bedroom home at Highfield. The Parish Council has already objected.
Mr Trigg says:
We note the planning application for the extension to Highfield on Drove Road and proximity to our Observatory. With any new development nearby, there is a risk of additional disruptive electro-magnetic interference from the proposed buildings which could impact on operations at the Observatory. Due to elevated levels of proposed development in the vicinity of the Observatory, and the increasing sophistication of observations possible through regular upgrades of our capabilities, STFC is taking a closer interest in all planning applications close to the site.
STFC notes that the proposed development is circa 550m from the LOFAR installation which is particularly sensitive to EM Interference. As this is an extension to an existing dwelling, the overall increase may be negligible, however, STFC requests further details on the specification and location of electrical installations to assess the likely EM interference and gauge whether there is a material impact.
However he opens the door to the plans being altered to mitigate their effects, which could allow STFC to withdraw its objection.
LOFAR is a phased array antenna which is part of a European-wide network for deep space observation.
STFC have previously objected to the proposed 75-home development saying that LOFAR is “very sensitive to electromagnetic interference.” They said that “a proposed future expansion of the array currently under consideration to the North of the existing array would be prevented by the proposed [75-home development].”
LOFAR array - the two circular objects at the bottom right (Credit: Google Maps)