Radar tower in Old Buckenham

News of progress

In October the Met Office was granted planning permission for the radar tower in Old Buckenham. Earlier this month, the process to seek tenders for the build of the radar began. Once the procurement process is complete and contracts have been awarded, then the first phase of construction should begin in the late Summer/early Autumn.

As part of their tender, prospective contractors will be required to submit a construction management plan detailing how they will modify their working practices to mitigate the impact on the local community. These plans will be shared with the local communities via the parish councils, as well as the Old Buckenham newsletter to get your feedback before any work commences.

The Met Office also plan to liaise with the local community and schools to offer to provide more information on the science and engineering aspects of the project and the wider STEM aspects of climate and weather. They will keep you up to date with the plans as they develop and would welcome any feedback from you.

Once construction is complete and the radar is commissioned it will be integrated into the UK radar network, increasing the quality of rainfall and snowfall data across the East Anglia. This will lead to improved flood and severe weather warnings for people throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, with particular focus on summertime thunderstorms, as well as improved management of water resources and sewer outflows.