PLANS to create new parking spaces and security fences at Menwith Hill base are to go ahead after being approved by council officers.

The Ministry of Defence and Defence Estates Central has won permission from Harrogate Borough Council to site a temporary building for office accommodation, form new parking areas, and put up additional security fencing around two of the base's 'golf-ball' radomes.

The plans were passed in December by council planning officers acting under delegated powers. A plan to improve the base's Consolidated Club, by enlarging fire doors, fitting an electronic sign to the north elevation, and installing rooftop extraction equipment, was also approved under delegation powers.

No objections were lodged to any of the plans - although a number of protest groups are currently objecting to a plan to build a new radome on the base.

As well as objections to the expansion of the US listening post - and fears over its lack of democratic accountability - there have been concerns about the impact of development at Menwith Hill on the visual aspects of the surrounding countryside.

Otley chairman of Menwith Hill Forum, town councillor John Eveleigh, said he was not personally aware of the plans, and was surprised there had been no objections.

He said: "I'm a bit surprised if there were no objections. I don't want to see any further expansion of the base without the proper democratic scrutiny."

Protester Helen John said the issue would have been more accessible to the public if the plans had been debated and determined at a council planning committee meeting open to members the public.

She said local people must be more vigilant in monitoring activities at the base - especially as Menwith Hill could become a target for anti-American terrorists.

Ms John said: "They would find it very hard to get into America, but as America's first ally, we leave ourselves open to criticism and attack."

She plans to organise protests outside Menwith Hill this year. The list of plans passed under delegated councillors is expected to go before Harrogate Borough Council's number one Planning Sub Committee on January 8, for notification.