Star Wars plan 'could go ahead'

The British and US governments are both involved in the project

Plans to upgrade the Fylingdales early warning station should not need planning permission, according to an independent report.

The RAF base on the North York Moors is due to become part of the US missile defence project nicknamed Son of Star Wars.

Consultants appointed by the Ministry of Defence have concluded that there is no need for the upgrade to be subject to public consultation on planning grounds.

They say this is because it will not change the station's appearance, increase radar emissions or affect the local environment.

Ballistic missiles

The local planning body is the North York Moors National Park Authority.

A spokesman for the authority said no planning application for the changes has yet been lodged.

The report by Building Design Partnership and TuV Product Services has no legal force.

Its conclusions have the status of recommendations to the park authority.

Protestors argue that the missile defence system - which is intended to shoot ballistic missiles out of the air - will restart the arms race.

It is likely they would attempt to block the deployment of the system if normal planning consultations are held.