Plans to site target barges at RAF Holbeach

The Royal Air Force wants to place two targets at a bombing range.

An application to site barges at RAF Holbeach has been made to South Holland District Council.

“The new target will be formed of two barges, each are -56.3 meters in length and -11.3 meters in width and 5-8 meters in height,” the outline method statement prepared by agent Marmus on behalf of Holbeach Air Weapons Range said.

“One barge with adaptions giving the appearance of a ships bridge, this section 8m in height.”

The statement added: “The barges will be towed to site at high water and positioned alongside the old targets.

“They will be held in position whilst the tide falls, and they ground.

“Once grounded the tug crews will open the flooding valves on the target barge and await the next flood tide. As the tide rises the barges will flood and remain in position.

“The targets will be observed for another tide period to make sure they remain in place and secure to the seabed.”