• The purpose of the proposed perimeter security fence and associated measures is to reduce vulnerabilities and lower future risks to facilities and personnel.
• At present, the Northern (Top of the Hill) area of the Station lacks adequate physical security protection to deter, detect and prevent unauthorised access to Mission support buildings and family housing units.
• The addition of security fencing at RAF Menwith Hill has been validated through several security agencies and will compliment existing physical security features, police patrols and security awareness training efforts.

APPEARANCE

• It is proposed to upgrade the security fencing which will be located either behind the existing perimeter hedge or within the site. These measures apply over the majority of the length of the fence and radically reduces the visual impact upon the local environment. Additional landscaping work will also be carried out, as shown on the drawing, in order to soften the appearance of the fence.
• The fence will be alarmed and monitored by CCTV cameras, mounted on 8m columns, spaced at regular intervals. There will be no security lighting on the fence.

ENVIRONMENTAL

• The fence has been located to minimise the need to remove trees and hedgerows.
• The proposed landscaping works will result in a noticeable increase in the level of tree planting on the Station.
• Where the branches of trees need to be removed qualified tree surgeons will be utilised.
• A protection plan for the wild orchids in the North West corner of the site will be enforced including identification of type and location, constraints on the method of fence construction and detailed monitoring.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION IN SUPPORT OF PLANNING APPLICATION ENVIRONMENTAL

RAF Menwith Hill’s conservation responsibilities regarding the wild flora and fauna habituating the area adjacent the NW footpath is recognised.

In respect of the orchids at Menwith Hill we have been advised that the species are unlikely to be Dactyohoriza cambresis as this is one of the sub-species of majaris and, so far as is known, is only found in West and North Wales and North-West Scotland. It is more likely to be either the Northern Marsh Orchid - Dactyohoriza purpurella or Orchis mascula. The former is quite common in that area opposite Duck Street Quarry.

Whatever the nature of Menwith Hill orchids they will be afforded protected status as required under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Orchids grow from a pseudo-bulb which produces a flower and then dies to be replaced by another pseudo-bulb which grows on to produce next years flower. If a plant is damaged or cut down before the new bulb has formed then the plant is unlikely to survive. It is thus important that plants are left alone for a reasonable period before, during and after flowering. The DLA has agreed to manage the affected estate in an appropriate time frame.

The orchids currently flowering have been recorded and photographed and we are also in consultation with English Nature to identify the orchids on site and to seek advice on future conservation management of the area.

The proposed fence to be situated in the NW corner of the station will be positioned in order to avoid unnecessary disturbance of protected flora and the encapsulation of the lands will enable the Station to safeguard other wildlife commensurate with MOD conservation policy in accordance with standards agreed with the DLA and authorised bodies.

RAF Menwith Hill is committed to reducing the light emission. In line with this commitment the proposed security fence will be un-lighted. An un-lighted security fence further enhances the need for a CCTV system.

Mindful of previous direction regarding the height of the CCTV mast it is proposed to reduce the mounting height down to 8m spread along the length of the fence. The spacing being a compromise between the functionality of the systems and the visual impact.

The co-location of CCTV cameras and private/domestic dwellings, both on and off the base has been noted. The CCTV system will be engineered to prevent intrusions of privacy .

CURRENT STATUS ON LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS:

SKETCH NO 1 - SCOPE AND STATUS OF WORKS being as follows:-

1. Your ref - application no 6.500.58.C.CROWND 97/01368/CROWND
2. Our ref - HAR 97-026

SKETCH NO 2 - SCOPE & STATUS OF WORKS being as follows:

1. Your ref - application no 6.91.180 CROWND 97/01818/CROWND.
2. Our ref – erection of 2no radomes and associated infrastructure.

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