Billionaires Anne and Anders Povlsen File a Suit Against Sutherland Spaceport

Billionaire couple Anne Holch and Anders Povlsen have filed a lawsuit against the Planning Commission related to Sutherland Spaceport. The couple own land near the Sutherland Spaceport area. They are concerned that the Sutherland Spaceport plans will significantly impact the surrounding wildlife, ecosystem, and vegetation.

The lawsuit is overseen by Wildland Ltd, a company owned by the billionaire couple. However, the project has a number of advocates who are saying the facility will positively impact the overall national economy and create new jobs young people.

The Backlash Regarding Sutherland Spaceport

Billionaire Anders Povlsen is the largest landowner in the United Kingdom. Anders Povlsen is a Danish citizen and was listed as the wealthiest Dane according to Forbes back in 2018. The billionaire bought a 42,000-acre estate near the planned spaceport in 2006, and it looks like Sutherland spaceport plans could have a negative impact on his rewilding plans.

On the other hand, Sutherland spaceport could become the first ever satellite launch site in Scotland. The Planning Permission was approved for this Scottish Spaceport back in 2020. The government funded development organisation, Highlands and Islands Enterprise is in charge of the Sutherland Spaceport plans for development. The location for the project is within the peatlands near Tongue.

The Future for the Sutherland Spaceport Plans

As far as public opinion goes in the Scotland Space community, the planning application has so far received 457 written objections against the project. On the other hand, only 118 representations were filed in favour of the project.

If the project gets underway and receives approval anyway, it is estimated that around 12 rocket launches will be carried out from Sutherland Spaceport each year. The satellites will be used for various reasons- starting from the weather forecast, satellite communication, and research.