Pembrokeshire: Campaigners protest against space radar project

Jim Scott, from the Parc against DARC Campaign said he remained unconvinced about the safety of the dishes.

“We have asked a series of very important questions in terms of safety and other important issues and they were unable to answer any of the questions we asked about the technical aspects of safety,” he said.

“There were no definitive or useful answers.”

Cawdor Barracks was set to close by 2028, but the redevelopment of the site for DARC will keep it open with 100 jobs being created to operate and maintain the radar.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens has said that the development will “secure jobs in the area” and is an “important project for Pembrokeshire.”

Pembrokeshire council will ultimately decide whether the DARC radar installation is built at Brawdy.

The MOD said it is committed to undertaking “all necessary planning and environmental processes required to gain consent” and that a “comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, including a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, is underway”.

It said DARC will have to meet international environmental and health standards set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the World Health Organisation.

A planning application is likely to be submitted in 2025, and building work could start late in 2026 if permission is granted by Pembrokeshire County Council.