RAF Menwith Hill: Expansion plans for Harrogate spy base

RAF Menwith Hill was opened in 1954 and is operated by US and UK staff

There are plans to build new buildings and roads at a spy base near Harrogate.

RAF Menwith Hill gathers electronic intelligence and is operated by US and UK staff.

A request for EIA Screening Opinion, which comes before a full planning application, has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council to put new structures up at the northern side of the base.

The work would include a new administration block and access roads.

There would also be a refuelling bay, footpaths, a small car park and a secure perimeter fence surrounding the facilities.

The 500-acre site was established in 1954 to act as a "communication intercept and intelligence support service" for both the UK and America.

It features 37 giant radomes, or "golf balls", which protect antennas from the weather.

Hundreds of personnel from a number of international intelligence bodies, including staff from the UK's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and America's National Security Agency (NSA), operate from the base.

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