Radar, thermal imaging cameras and CCTV could soon be installed at The Needles under plans submitted for a new surveillance mast at a lookout station overlooking the western Solent.
The application, submitted by Sirius Constellation Ltd, seeks permission to replace an existing 6.5m portable mast with a permanent 10.5m galvanised steel lattice mast attached to the rear of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency station at The Needles.
The new structure would, for the first time, support a radar antenna, thermal imaging camera and 4 CCTV cameras.
Although the application form gives little indication of why the equipment is being installed, supporting documents reveal it has been selected to meet Home Office contractual requirements.
No further details are provided about the Home Office contract, the specific maritime surveillance operations involved or which organisation will operate the equipment.
The site is owned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, with the volunteer-led National Coastwatch Institution continuing to operate the lookout station.
The planning application is now being considered by Isle of Wight Council, with a decision due by 28th September.
