A powerful display of community solidarity unfolded along the Pembrokeshire coastline on Sunday as hundreds of residents gathered on Newgale Beach, joining hands to oppose ambitious government plans for the installation of towering radar structures near their cherished landscape. The proposed scheme would see 27 radar dishes, each approximately 21 metres high and 15 metres wide, constructed at Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy – an initiative dubbed the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project.
This bold development forms part of a broader effort to monitor satellites and objects in space, but local opposition has been swift and passionate. Residents, concerned about the environmental and social ramifications, contend that the imposing arrays – set to be as tall as four London buses – threaten to dramatically alter the character of an area celebrated for its natural beauty. The protest, with marchers stretching from one side of Newgale Beach to the other, provided a striking visual of unity and resistance.
The coastline in question nestles beneath hills where these giant radar dishes would dominate the skyline, sitting perilously close to the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Critics argue this development could mark a turning point, with one local campaign group, PARC Against DARC, highlighting fears surrounding both the immediate ecological impact and longer-term consequences for tourism, a mainstay of the local economy. The group, established in response to the announcement of the DARC project, has already amassed more than 17,000 signatures on a petition lobbying political leaders to reconsider.
Public health has also become a central issue, with campaigners citing concerns regarding potential radiation from the radar dishes. Emma Tannahill, a spokesperson for PARC Against DARC, voiced worries about reported elevated cancer rates among workers at similar radar stations, emphasising that even those without direct contact had experienced health issues.
While the Ministry of Defence has reassured residents it is following stringent processes and has launched a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, anxieties remain. These assessments are expected to scrutinise potential effects on the skyline, nearby communities, local flora and fauna, and the landscape’s broader cultural heritage. The Ministry pledged ongoing dialogue, with public consultation events already underway, and has emphasised respect for the right to peaceful protest.
In an official statement, the Ministry highlighted potential benefits of the project, stating, “The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) programme will secure long-term jobs in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and support the protection of crucial satellite communication and navigation systems.” They further noted that the project, while not formally part of the recently signed UK-US-Australia security pact, does involve close collaboration between the three nations, pointing to its ongoing significance for national defence capabilities.
Nevertheless, opponents of the scheme remain sceptical, particularly about claims that the development will benefit local people. Tim Rees, who runs the Unearthed Festival and local hospitality outlets, was among those protesting. He said, “The National Park has preserved our coastline for years, and now that could all be undone for something that holds no tangible benefit for this community. The funding invested here is unlikely to trickle down to local businesses or residents.”
Another bone of contention involves a proposed bypass road near Newgale, which some believe is intrinsically linked to the DARC project’s construction and future operation. Rural campaigners argue that such infrastructure would further disrupt the landscape, particularly the Brandy Brook valley, and have called for greater transparency. While the Ministry of Defence asserts that it has not requested a new road as part of its plans, the public consultation on the bypass continues, drawing a steady stream of objections.
As the debate intensifies, the Pembrokeshire community’s ability to mobilise around shared concerns is evident, highlighting broader tensions between national security initiatives and local environmental stewardship. With consultations ongoing and the environmental assessment still in progress, the future of the DARC project remains uncertain – but one thing is clear: these rural voices intend to be heard.