The body in charge of the air traffic in the UK have unveiled plans to upgrade their radar base outside Peterhead.
National Air Traffic Control (NATS) want to build a new 82ft radio tower at their compound near remote radar head (RRH) Buchan.
The structure will have four antennas mounted on it, as well as cables which will be fed down to an existing building.
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It is part of a Ministry of Defence scheme known as Project Marshall, which is aiming to the upgrade the air traffic control technology used across Britain.
The Buchan site has been chosen as one of those in need of a revamp and the proposed mast is required to a reliable and safe communications system communications between the site and aircraft.
A supporting statement submitted along the plans said the proposed installation was important so that NATS can safely operate the skies above the UK.
It said: “The technical and operational requirements are such that a mast of 82ft high is required and as such any scope to design and locate the development to mitigate environmental impacts is limited due to the technical and operational constraints of the technology and the project.
“The mast will be matt grey in colour again to reduce contrast against the skyline and try to mitigate visual impact as far as practicable.
“It has specific technical and operational requirements given its importance in supporting the MOD’s Project Marshal and ensuring the UK’s National Air Traffic Services can continue to operate safely in terms of controlling the UK’s airspace.
“Such requirements are supported in terms of the public benefits and in the wider national interests when weighted against the environmental impacts of the proposal.”
Remote radar head Buchan near Boddam is one of the last operational remnants of RAF Buchan.
The station was opened in 1952 as one of the UK’s two air defence control and reporting centres. Permanently manned operations ended in 2005.
