A Threat to Scientific Research
An observatory at the forefront of British science has raised concerns over plans to build 75 houses nearby, arguing that the development could make its high-tech equipment inoperable. The Chilbolton Observatory, located in a rural village in Hampshire, uses ‘highly specialised, cutting-edge’ technology to conduct crucial scientific research.
The observatory was built on the site of a disused RAF base chosen for its ‘remoteness, sparse population, low vehicle traffic volumes, dark skies and 360-degree horizon’. However, the observatory now faces a threat from plans submitted by Southern Planning Practice LTD to construct dozens of homes on its doorstep.
The application includes plans to open a doctor’s surgery, small shop or café, parish office, play area, sports courts, and public open space in what would be the largest single development in Chilbolton. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), which operates the observatory, argues that the works would affect its ‘ongoing viability’.
In an objection, it claims that the ‘vital space, telecommunications and environmental research’ conducted at the observatory would be disrupted by light pollution produced by the housing development. The operators also fear that building works would create an increased amount of dust which would impact the site’s Air Quality Supersite monitoring.
Critical Functions of the Observatory
Chilbolton Observatory’s two main functions are meteorological monitoring and Earth orbiting satellite monitoring – and the site is home to the world’s largest fully steerable meteorological radar. However, the STFC says such ‘sensitive instruments’ could be ‘rendered inoperable’ if the housing development plans are approved, due to increased electromagnetic interference caused by houses, traffic and mobile devices.
A spokesperson said: ‘The UK’s Chilbolton Observatory is objecting to new housing nearby due to our concerns that any future development will threaten the unique scientific capabilities and operational viability we offer on behalf of the nation. Chilbolton is a key UK governmental facility which provides, on behalf of all of us, critical atmospheric research and satellite data. Any potential residential growth nearby would threaten that work due to increased radio and electromagnetic interference that would have a negative impact on the performance of the sensitive scientific instruments on site.’
In its objection, the STFC argued that its current ‘rare and unique’ location would be compromised by the new development. It stated: ‘The Chilbolton Observatory is a unique and valuable National UK Science facility which provides a broad range of vital space, telecommunications and environmental research and operational capabilities to multiple Government Agencies and commercial partners. The rare and unique location and conditions at the Observatory, including the remoteness, sparse population, low vehicle traffic volumes, dark skies and 360-degree horizon are all crucial for the continuation of operations both now and in the future. STFC stands by its initial objection that the proposed housing development represents a threat to our current and future operations.’
Concerns Over Development
The STFC explained that the observatory operates using cutting edge scientific and technological equipment unique to the United Kingdom in a further statement. ‘The capabilities have specific, long-term tangible benefits to the following public and private industrial sectors: Space, Atmospheric, Climate and Defence,’ the STFC continued. ‘The site characteristics of a clear horizon, high elevation and sparse rural population are all critical factors which affect the ongoing efficacy of the Observatory, its activities and those of its partners. As drawn, the proposals do give the Observatory operators serious concerns and represent a threat to the ongoing viability of the site, which is, as stated earlier, are unique UK science and technology capabilities. Currently we do not support the application on the grounds that it threatens to extinguish a unique UK science and technology capability.’
Submitted by James Painter through Southern Planning Practice, the housing development would see homes built to the north-east of the site on Drive Road. As well as the properties and amenities, a new junction and a footpath and cycle link towards Chilbolton would also be constructed. Mr Painter’s planning statement argues that the council’s lack of a five-year housing land supply and the site’s draft allocation in the emerging Local Plan mean the benefits of the scheme outweigh any policy conflict with its countryside designation.
He said that 40 per cent of the homes would be affordable, with a mix of predominantly two and three-bed properties to be built. However the plans have also come under fire from residents. According to local campaign material and parish updates, more than 200 public comments have been submitted to Test Valley Borough Council on the application. Locals have raised concerns over the scale, siting and potential impacts of what would be the largest single housing development in the village.
Martin Armitstead, a resident in the village, objected to the plans, saying: ‘The comment from Chilbolton Observatory is particularly telling. This is a nationally important installation, and nothing should be allowed to compromise its efficiency and integrity. With current world events this is even more important to protect, for the national benefit.’
Chilbolton Parish Council also objected to the plans because they would have a negative impact on the existing village and ‘rural’ area. It said: ‘The development is of an excessively large scale out of proportion with the rural character of the village.’
Importance of the Observatory
Outlining the significance of Chilbolton Observatory, The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) said it works alongside the National Space Operations Centre to develop and operate the UK’s space surveillance and protection capabilities. It said: ‘The Chilbolton Observatory supports NSpOC with the provision of sensor services to provide observations of artificial space objects under the National Programme as tasked by NSpOC. This involves the radar dish CASTR and the COATS optical telescope. The services at Chilbolton also include the transfer of sensor data to NSpOC, to assist in the objects orbit determination and contribute to SDA services. Any development that could degrade the Observatory’s current and future capabilities could impact NSpOC’s mission sets that support the UK’s space surveillance and protection.’
The application is still under consideration.
