2 August 2022
Old Buckenham Weather Radar

Although not opposed to the principle of having a new Weather Radar Tower in my constituency, since day one I have had concerns about the Met Office proposals to build one at the Anglian Water site in Old Buckenham.

That’s why I have opposed both applications put forward by the Met Office (and which were turned down by Breckland District Council), as well as the subsequent appeal that the Met Office submitted to the Planning Inspectorate – highlighting the concerns of the likes of the nearby Airfield, the Parish Council and many local residents in the surrounding village, in addition to offering to work with the Met Office to try and find better, more suitable potential sites elsewhere in Mid Norfolk (an offer that has repeatedly been ignored).

I was therefore very disappointed to learn recently that the Met Office appeal has been successful and that they will, as a result, be able to proceed with construction of their proposed weather radar tower.

I very much appreciate the concern and frustration this will cause for many in the village – and I am following up with the Met Office to stress that, even though they have permission, it is crucial that they proactively engage with the local community in a positive fashion to try and find an outcome that minimises disruption and impacts upon nearby houses and businesses.

Rest assured, I remain committed to supporting Old Buckenham with regards to this application.

To read more about my work on this to date, please visit here, here and here.