It's ten years ago this week since we reported that a farm in Epping Forest was being considered as a missile base during the Olympics.

Epping Forest could be a base for anti-aircraft missiles during the Olympics.

The Ministry of Defence has announced that Netherhouse Farm, near Waltham Abbey, is one of six sites it is considering as possible bases for ground-to-air missiles during the Games.

Other possible sites include William Girling Reservoir near Chingford and two sites in south east London.

Tommy Tomkins owns Netherhouse Farm and is battling for permission to build a 20-acre solar farm there, which would make it one of the most powerful plants of its kind in the country.

He refused to comment on the MoD's announcement.

“At this stage, I don’t want to comment,” he said. “The council turned down the solar farm and that’s more news to me.”

An MoD spokesman said the footprint of each missile would be smaller than 10 square meters and would have fewer than 12 military personnel manning it.

“We’re talking to local authorities about logistics,” he added. “There will be staff based there, but the impact on local homes and businesses will be minimal.

“There is a massive consultation exercise, which will run until May 10.

“We’ve liaised with a variety of local authorities and land owners to identify potential good sites.”

He said a decision on which sites the missiles will be based at would be made after May 10.