During World War II, the site was the location of a Chain Home Extra Low (CHEL) radar station. The same site was chosen for the building of Portland's Centimetric Early Warning (CEW) Radar Station in 1950-51 by contractor Robert McAlpine. It was built as part of the ROTOR programme for the detection of Soviet fast-flying jets. Portland's example was one of eight CEW stations built across the country. It was equipped with various 'Stage One' radar systems.
