BAE Systems has submitted plans to replace a tower in Barrow, deeming repairs to the existing structure 'uneconomical'.
The defence heavyweight has filed an application with Westmorland and Furness Council for the replacement of a header tank tower at the BAE yard on Barrow Island.
Planning documents reveal that a recent inspection determined the tower needed repairs to remain 'safe' for operation.
The cover letter states: "However, it was subsequently concluded that the structural repairs required were extensive and uneconomical.
"Rather than repairing and refurbishing the header tank tower, BAES have decided that it will be deconstructed and replaced. At the time of writing, the existing header tank tower has been deconstructed and removed from the site."
The proposed replacement is planned to be situated seven metres east of the original tower.
The council is now reviewing the application.
In March, BAE tabled plans for a huge floating solar farm in Barrow to supply it with renewable energy. The group says the scheme at Cavendish Dock could become the 'º£½ÇÊÓƵ's largest floating solar array'.
The planning documents suggest the anticipated 'Barrow Energy Dock' could boast a generating capacity of 35-40MWp, directly feeding into the BAE Systems network. The documents state: "This will help secure renewable power to the intended recipient BAE Systems Submarines for decades."
In the planning consultation, Cumbria Bird Club has objected to the scheme, saying the area forms an ‘important’ habitat for resident species and migrating birds.
