The proposal to build what would become England’s largest wind farm has sparked significant backlash from local residents and environmental campaigners.
In 2023, Calderdale Wind Farm Ltd revealed plans to build 65 turbines on Walshaw Moor near Hebden Bridge.
The company claims the development would produce enough electricity to power over 286,000 homes a year.
Calderdale Wind Farm Ltd said: “The UK government has pledged to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions by 100% compared to the 1990 levels, by 2050.”
“With the government casting onshore wind as one of the cheapest sources of electricity, developments such as Calderdale Wind Farm are going to play a key role in improving the UK’s energy security.”
However, the wind farm proposal has stirred fierce opposition.
Campaigners warn that the wind farm installation would disrupt ecosystems, threaten endangered birds, and cause irreplaceable damage to the surrounding area.
Local campaigner Yvonne Slater said: “We should be protecting peatland moors because they store twice as much carbon per hectare as rainforests. So much CO2 would be released if they dig it all up.”
“Peatland moors in good condition act as a natural barrier for flooding – the moss soaks up 20 times its own weight and holds the water.”
“This can be the difference between the towns flooding or not.”
Calderdale MP Josh Fenton Glynn said: “A lot of people have asked me about the proposed Calderdale wind farm. However, I do not intend to publicly state a view at this point when no planning application has been made.”
Calderdale Wind Farm Ltd will now need to submit full plans to the council before they make a final decision.