Plans have been lodged to try to site two new 'target barges' in The Wash.
Holbeach Air Weapons Range has applied to South Holland District Council for permission to replace two coal barges that have been in place for about 50 years and are no longer 'functionally fit for purpose'.
The barges would be 30m long, 6m wide and 5m tall and would replicate a 'barge convoy' during target practice.
Drone photos of the current target barges (image: Marmus) (61006597)
The range offers ordnance training opportunities for the RAF and NATO allies.
A planning statement, issued by marine consultants and surveyors Marmus, said: "Initially, some habitat loss will occur as the target barges are being laid onto the seabed.
"However, over time this loss of habitat will be greatly reduced. As the tide rises and falls, sediment from the turbid water in the wash will settle in the barges, creating a similar habitat to the seabed.
"This will encourage the same biodiversity that would have been displaced when the barges were originally installed."
Drone photos of the current target barges (image: Marmus) (61006595)
The site is 3.3KM NW of The Wash national nature reserve and the area has a number of 'statutory designations' that offer protection.
The planning documents explain that the barges will be towed to their site separately - towed from either Boston or King's Lynn ports.
They will be taken out to the location - known as target 6N - on a rising Spring tide and held in position until the tide drops and they settle on the sea bed.
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