Orbex set date for second community consultation over proposed changes to Sutherland Spaceport

Space company Orbex is to hold a second public consultation event in Tongue on Thursday, January 18, on proposed changes to the layout of Sutherland Spaceport.

The firm wants to move its antenna park from the main spaceport site on the A'Mhoine peninsula to an area next to existing telecommunications infrastructure on Ben Tongue.

Other changes at the main spaceport site are also planned including adjustments to the footprint and height of the Launch Site Integration Facility.

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A spokesperson for Orbex said: "These changes will make the building footprint smaller, leading to a reduction in peat disturbance and a lower impact on the groundwater ecosystem.

"The visual impact of the site will also be reduced, and there will be less disturbance to local watercourse crossings, with mammal migration paths widened to better preserve the environment.

"The proposed changes should also result in a shorter construction period and fewer vehicle movements."

The second public consultation meeting will be held at the Ben Loyal Hotel on January 18 from 12pm-2pm and 5pm-8pm.

Comments can be made directly at the event, via the online feedback form following the event or by emailing info@auroraplanning.co.uk.

All comments must be submitted by January 25 for consideration.

Further information on the proposals can be found at www.orbex.space/spaceport

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