Campaigners continue to oppose the redevelopment proposed for Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire to host the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) - stating that they are ‘extremely confident’ that public pressure will put a halt to what they called a ‘military monstrosity’.

The ‘PARC Against DARC’ campaign launched a just few weeks ago and already boasts a petition nearing its next target of 15,000 signatures, with the public launch meeting the biggest in Solva’s history.

This month, the Ministry of Defence announced details of its plans to redevelop Cawdor Barracks to host a landmark radar initiative.

The MOD has stated that the initiative will secure long-term jobs and help protect essential satellite communication and navigation networks.

A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, including a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, is underway in support of a planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council.

The Council’s granting of planning permission is conditional on DARC meeting all the required safety standards.

A spokesperson for the campaign group against the proposals said: “We are extremely confident that public pressure will put a halt to these ill thought out military proposals.”

“The MOD’s own scoping report admits that the project would mean 100 heavy lorry trips per day up our coast road and through Newgale itself. That would mean 200 lorry trips per day including the return journey!”

“We know the people of Pembrokeshire wont go along with this, but in any case the road infrastructure simply does not exist for this level of project.”

“As a campaign we have every confidence that this military monstrosity will never see the light of day.

We repeat our call for our local MP and MS’s to declare their personal position on this. The issue is likely to be a big vote-loser in the 2026 Senedd elections with some major parties such as Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Greens already having come out staunchly against DARC.

“This is no good for Pembrokeshire, this is no good for anywhere. Local Politicians need to get on the right side of this before they are publicly forced to, not afterwards!” they added.

Public information events on the MODproposals are being hosted at the following:

• Solva Memorial Hall, 39 High Street, Solva, SA62 6TE on Friday, September 13, between 4 and 7pm

• St David’s City Hall, High Street, SA62 6SD, on Saturday, 14 September 14, between 10am and 2pm.

For more info, head to: www.parcagainstdarc.com