MINISTRY of Defence bosses are planning more security measures at RAF Fylingdales.

Planning applications to build three 8m-high towers for CCTV cameras, new sliding gates, and a portable building, at the entrance have been submitted to the North York Moors National Park Authority.

But staff at the base have insisted that the step up in security is not connected to the controversial national missile defence scheme, dubbed Son Of Star Wars.

Station commander Chris Knapman said: "It's not linked to National Missile Defence other than the fact that protesters think we are going to get Missile Defence here.

"There is no work being undertaken at Fylingdales to prepare for any Missile Defence.

"Until the MoD are asked by the U.S. to participate then we don't have a position on it."

Commander Knapman said: "Ever since the Greenpeace action at Menwith Hill we have taken steps to increase security."

Three people were arrested last July after more than 100 protesters stormed the Menwith Hill base.

But after the action, Defence Minister Geoff Hoon was left red-faced when security measures at Fylingdales - including a perimeter road and additional fencing - were introduced without first applying for planning permission.

The National Park Authority granted retrospective planning permission, but criticised the MoD for not following proper procedures.

Commander Knapman said they regretted the error. "Normally we would put the planning applications in - last time was purely an oversight. Everyone has acknowledged a mistake was made here."

Keith Mollison, from Fylingdales Action Network, said they were stepping up demonstrations at the base and would be supporting the CND with a major protest march on Saturday, June 15.

Updated: 11:57 Wednesday, May 22, 2002