PROTESTORS hit out at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) last night over a report claiming that a missile defence upgrade of RAF Fylingdales, in North Yorkshire, should not require planning permission.

The report, commissioned by the MoD, was described as a "public relations gimmick" by opponents seeking to block the use of the radar station for President Bush's so-called Son of Star Wars programme.

It suggested there was no need for the upgrade to be subject to public consultation on planning grounds, as it will not change the station's appearance, increase radar emissions or affect the local environment.

Jackie Fearnley, of the Fylingdales Action Network, said: "This is all rather predictable - a public relations gimmick. There might not be any visible change in appearance and it may only be an upgrade, but this is all really the thin end of the wedge."

Mrs Fearnley said she remained concerned about radiation levels from the base and that it could be a target for attack.

The conclusions from the environmental assessment report have now been sent to the North York Moors National Park Authority, which has the final decision on whether any upgrade should be given planning permission.

A spokesman for the authority said that no planning application for the changes had yet been received and there was no estimate of the timeframe for any decision.

Britain and the US signed a framework memorandum of understanding on missile defence earlier this month.

The signing of the memorandum cleared the way for the participation of UK firms in the project, but did not commit the Government to the acquisition or deployment of a missile defence system.

Protestors say missile defence - the aim of which is to shoot down ballistic missiles before they reach their target - will restart the arms race.