Plans for Space Hub Sutherland have taken a step forward with early proposals lodged for discussion by Highland councillors next week.
The north planning committee will be able to comment on Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s outline proposals for the £17.3m vertical launch site for low earth orbit satellites at The Moine.
It will include the launch pad with launch towers; assembly building with ancillary structures; launch operations and control centre; access roads and car parking; spaces for antennae and fuel, and safety and security fencing.
In their proposal, the developers describe the site as 815 acres of sweeping moorland and the peat bog A’Mhoine .
It is close to, bounding or within a range of environmental designations.
These include Ben Hutig Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) the A’Mhoine SSSI, the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Area of Conservation(SAC), Scenic Protection Area (SPA) and internationally important RAMSAR wetland site.
The Ben Hope and Ben Loyal Wild Land Area (WLA) is close to the south boundary and the Kyle of Tongue National Scenic Area (NSA) is just over a mile south east.
Access is proposed from the A838 north coast road.
HIE says a formal application will be submitted by the end of December.
The next pre-planning public meeting will take place on Monday November 25 at Melness community centre from 3-8pm.