- Client: SaxaVord UK Spaceport
- Location: Unst, Shetland, UK
- Date: 2020-2023
SaxaVord UK Spaceport is developing a vertical launch space port and associated infrastructure at Lamba Ness on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Islands.
As the nominated site for the UK Pathfinder Launch, part of LaunchUK, Shetland is the prime location for this new space sector for the UK.
The Proposed Development includes the construction of three launch pads and associated infrastructure incorporating a satellite tracking facility, integration facilities, a launch and range control centre at Saxa Vord, use of the fuel storage facility at Baltasound, and significant improvements to associated approach roads.
Our Role:
- Management of multi-discipline environmental impact assessment (EIA)
- Assessment of impacts, mitigation measures and residual effects
- EIA Report preparation and delivery
SaxaVord engaged ITPEnergised to manage the assessment of environmental effects as part of the major planning application. The study involved over two years of detailed environmental study.
In addition to the regular environmental concerns, consideration was given to marine and transboundary effects, minimisation of impact on scheduled monuments and assessment and mitigation of effects on a diverse bird and animal population.
Outcome:
The EIA Report was submitted to Shetland Islands Council in January 2021 and SaxaVord was granted planning permission in March 2022. Following completion of further assessment under the Space Industry Regulations, in December 2023 SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland became the UK’s first, licensed, vertical launch spaceport. The spaceport licence was granted following rigorous safety, security, and environmental assessment by the UK’s space regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, and paves the way for vertical launch from UK soil later in 2024.
Download the SaxaVord UK Spaceport – Environmental Impact Assessment case study PDF here.
