I think that we are the only unit in the UK which has approval to operate the radar in the VCR (willing to stand corrected though!),
as well as from the purpose built room downstairs.
The approval was given some considerable time ago, and the system works very well.
Mon to Fri 08.30 to 1730 we join our MOD collegues up the road and do approach radar to Norwich from an assigned console at Coltishall.
Outside these hours and at weekends, approach radar and SRAs at any time are done from the radar in the VCR at Norwich, or downstairs.
To use it as an ATM we simply reduce the range to between 10 and 20 miles (with SSR), when it's in use as an approach radar, the tower atco can still use it as an ATM, but obviously it is slightly more limited.
The biggest advantage of being a tower atco sitting next door to the approach radar atco is ease of coordination between the two positions - no delays in getting clearances or other information, and gives you a better idea of what the other is planning to do,
