New details on extent of rocket launch 'no-go' area at Sutherland Spaceport
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Further details have emerged of the extent of public access restrictions planned on land surrounding Sutherland Spaceport, presently under construction at the A’Mhoine peninsula, west of Tongue.
The Northern Times has learned that a proposed 50 square kilometre “Launch Exclusion Zone” (LEZ) is set be put in place during rocket launches.
The zone would cover much of Melness Crofters' Estate, and ironically it would also include a significant part of the neighbouring Eriboll Estate, owned by Danish entrepreneur Anders Holch Polvsen, who launched a failed legal challenge against the spaceport.
Highland Council is in the process of finalising the details of the proposed restrictions which will then be put out for a 12-week public consultation and go before Highland councillors for final approval.
Ramblers Scotland, which promotes access to the outdoors, has said it will “carefully study” the final proposals.
It was revealed in May that new byelaws would be brought forward to restrict access to the £17.3 million spaceport site during rocket launches.
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 allows for local authorities to make byelaws under certain provisions. Highland Council says the byelaws are valid for the management of the public during launch events.
In order to safely undertake a launch, an area of land larger than the launch pad complex is required to be clear of people.
Under a Freedom of Information Request, the Northern Times was shown a map of the proposed exclusion zone and accompanying briefing documents marked “Confidential to Highland and Islands Enterprise HIE” and prepared by David Howie, HIE's Head of Innovation and Technology.
HIE was initially responsible for developing the space port but it has now sub-leased the site to space aviation firm Orbex who have taken over its construction and management.
Much of the Launch Exclusion Zone is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it also covers areas of common grazing and apportionments on Melness Crofters Estate.
The briefing notes set out how visitor restrictions could vary in the run-up to a launch event. For several hours before each planned launch, the public would be banned from the full exclusion zone. The site has planning permission for 12 launches a year.
Between launches the public would be restricted from a smaller area, with a boundary 1800m around the launch pad.
It is understood council officials have agreed to a byelaw that allows the council to delegate the power to exclude people from the area to security guards paid by the operator of the launch site.
Ramblers Scotland campaign and policy manager Helen Todd said: “We understand this (the public access restrictions) is to ensure public safety and will only apply during the period immediately before the launch on a limited number of days each year.
“It is crucial that any restrictions to access, cover the minimum time period possible and the minimum area of land required for public safety.
“More than anything, clear communication will be needed to make sure people, who have a legitimate interest in the launch, are aware of the restrictions and why they are in place.
“We are not yet clear whether a byelaw is necessary to manage the launch site, given the terrain and location.”
A spokesperson for Highland Council said: “When considering any access restriction we always stress the need for the minimum time over the minimum area.
“We are carefully considering the needs of the launch site operators and public safety and are working out the specifics required for access exclusion around launch dates and clear communication. We will be undertaking further consultation before finalisation of the proposed byelaw.”
HIE, Orbex and Melness Crofters Estate were also approached for comment.
