Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.8°C   ENE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Council / Rocket engine testing plans get boost from planners

Engine testing at Scatsta in May last year.

NOISE impact on people and wildlife from rocket engine testing at Scatsta Airport will “not be significantly detrimental”, according to planners.

It comes as a change of use planning application for a section of the airport grounds for two years was approved.

Rocket engine testing has already taken place at the site, with German company Hympulse carrying out fiery work in May.

The council’s planning service said as a result the change of use application would be deemed retrospective.

The testing in May was carried out in conjunction with Shetland Space Centre – which is now called SaxaVord Spaceport.

It brought a taste of the emerging space industry to Shetland ahead of SaxaVord’s plans to launch satellite rockets in Unst from next year.

In approving the change of use application, planners said it had been “demonstrated that the development will not have a significant adverse impact on the natural environment of the surrounding area”.

“It has been demonstrated that the noise impact of the development will be similar in magnitude to that of the former operational airport at Scatsta, but impacts will be significantly less given the frequency and duration of rocket engine testing that is to take place at the site,” they added.

There are a number of conditions attached to the approval; rocket engine testing can only take place up to three times in one week, and a firing event will not last more than 40 seconds.

Planning staff believes this means noise impact will not be significantly detrimental to birds, when compared to Scatsta’s previous use as an airport.

Firing rocket engines will also only be able to take place between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday.

The planning service requested that no fuel is stored on site, and that rocket engine testing should be limited to only engine types that are fuelled by paraffin/liquid oxygen, which the applicant said is “completely non-toxic”.

Scatsta Airport has been vacant following its closure last year.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.