Space radar plan by Pembrokeshire Coast path ‘unacceptable’

“There must be no harm to human health so it must be safe,” said Mark Carter, who represents the local Solva ward on Pembrokeshire council.

“I’d also want an assurance that local people would be prioritised to have these jobs and see how it affects the landscape.

“As long as I’ve lived here, there’s been a military presence and it provides a benefit to the community. If we can keep an MoD presence here then hopefully, even if the army leave, something else will be done in the old barracks.”

The proposed site is on one of the most western points of the UK mainland and the MoD had previously said the radar network would have “unique geographic positioning” for global monitoring and coverage.

It added the project would mark a “new phase” of a security arrangement between the UK, US and Australia – known as AUKUS.

Space warfare expert Dr Bleddyn Bowen said: “There are up to 9,000 satellites in space providing all sorts of economic and security services for us today.

“Whether you’re having a pizza delivered or you’re delivering a bomb to within less than a metre accuracy, they all rely on satellites.

“So having a better understanding of what’s going on in space is really important.”

The Conservatives have called for more information from the MoD about the plan while Plaid Cymru have said the project will have a “hugely negative impact” on the community. Labour have been asked for a comment.

Pembrokeshire council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority declined to comment at this stage while the MoD couldn’t comment because of the election.