Falmouth councillors are opposing plans to site two, 77 metre wind turbines at Kergilliack because the Ministry of Defence is objecting to at least one of them.

Dan Callaghan of Clarity Renewables has applied for permission to install one turbine, along with the associated infrastructure, at Higher Kergilliack Farm, and another at nearby Tregonhaye Farm.

The plans went before Falmouth's planning committee last week when members were told the MoD had lodged an objection to the first application and has yet to respond to the second.

The MoD claims that the turbine would cause “unacceptable interference” to the precision approach radar (PAR) at RNAS Culdrose and also to the provision of radar services to aircraft operating under the control of Plymouth military.

Claire Duddy, MoD assistant safeguarding officer, said: “The PAR is a very accurate radar used by air traffic controllers to guide aircraft down in inclement weather, although the procedure is practised in all weather conditions.

“The accuracy and integrity of this radar is critical as air traffic controllers must control the aircraft in descent and very close to the ground. Wind turbines constructed in line of sight of the PAR can cause localised 'track seduction' leading to aircraft disappearing from the radar.

“A further possible effect is the overload of the radar's processor, in that wind turbines generate 'false plots' which use up processing ability. Once its threshold is reached, the radar may be unable to detect smaller targets, which are likely to be aircraft in head-on profile.”

Councillor Steve Eva said: “I have no problem with wind turbines, I believe we have to find new green energy, but they have to be in the right place and not get in the way of the MoD. We have no choice but to turn this down.

“Let them come back with a smaller turbine if they want and we can see where we go from there.”

The committee recommended that Cornwall Council refuse both applications because of the objection from the MoD.