Calderdale Energy Park is planning to build 34 giant turbines on moorland at Walshaw Moor above Hebden Bridge, but opponents accuse the developer of rushing the consultation process
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Developers behind controversial plans to construct what would rank amongst the nation’s largest windfarms on a stretch of Yorkshire moorland have launched statutory public consultation on the scheme. A series of in-person consultation events regarding Calderdale Energy Park’s proposals to position 34 giant turbines on moorland at Walshaw Moor above Hebden Bridge are taking place ahead of the June 10, deadline.
However, opponents of the scheme accuse developers of rushing the process and disregarding requests from Calderdale and Bradford councils to postpone the start until after May’s elections. The face-to-face sessions will take place at three locations in Bradford, one in Calderdale itself and two across the border in Lancashire at Colne.
Should the scheme ultimately receive approval, the turbines will be visible for miles around, including across Bronte Country moorland, and have triggered widespread concern and opposition over potential damage to protected peat bogs, impact on wildlife, heightened flood risk and the release of stored carbon. Critics contend the turbines would damage landscape, heritage and tourism, disrupt access routes, generate construction traffic, and deliver minimal local benefit despite assertions about green energy provision.
Calderdale Energy Park states that turbine numbers have been cut from 41 to 34 and maintains the 240 megawatt (MW) scheme represents a significant opportunity to generate sufficient clean energy to power more than twice the number of households in Calderdale. Calderdale Energy Park would be capable of generating sufficient electricity to power approximately 198,000 homes and reduce national CO2 emissions by around 2.9m tonnes over the windfarm’s lifetime, according to the firm.
The company’s plans also include a dedicated Community Benefit Fund worth £1.2m per year, which would provide financial backing for local groups and initiatives. The company says it is now seeking public opinion and offering the opportunity to submit further feedback.
Responses gathered during a previous non-statutory consultation have already helped shape the proposals, says Calderdale Energy Park, including a reduction in the number of turbines. The company has also revealed a new connection point at Bradford West substation — in addition to the four connection points previously announced.
Christian Egal, project director said: “We believe this is a unique opportunity for the people of Calderdale, Bradford and Pendle to secure millions of pounds of investment into the local economy, develop specialist green skills and unlock up to £36m over the next 30 years to invest in local projects and initiatives. We understand that people will have differing views on the project.
“The statutory consultation is an important part of the process, and it gives anyone interested the opportunity to view the revised plans and provide feedback. At a time when the cost of energy is once again at the top of everyone’s minds, we encourage people to take part so all perspectives can be fully considered.”
However, those opposing the proposals are troubled that the process is commencing at this time.
The Peatland Alliance, one such opponent, claims that Calderdale Council’s request to delay the process until after May’s elections has been disregarded.
It said: “The wind farm developer’s decision will put the efficacy and transparency of the consultation process at risk, according to strongly-worded advice from Calderdale Council. Calderdale Council advised Calderdale Energy Park that the timing of the consultation should avoid the sensitive pre-election period, so as to ‘ensure that newly elected councillors and new council administrations are properly consulted.’
“Bradford Council made the same request. Calderdale Energy Park appears to have brushed the councils’ views aside,” they say. A Peatland Alliance campaigner said: “It could be a case of more haste, less speed.”
Calderdale Energy Park’s six face-to-face consultation sessions are scheduled at: Denholme Community Centre, Denholme, Bradford on Friday, 17 April, from 2pm to 7pm; at Oxenhope Community Centre, Oxenhope, Bradford, on Saturday, 18 April, from 1pm to 5pm; at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Tuesday, 21 April, from 1pm to 7pm; at Trawden Forest Community Centre, Colne, on Saturday, 9 May, from 11am to 3pm; at Haworth Village Hall on Tuesday, 19 May, from 1pm to 7pm; and at Primet Community Centre, Colne, on Thursday, 21 May, from 2pm to 7pm.
Additional information about the scheme and statutory consultation can be accessed at www.calderdalenergypark.co.uk – members of the public can submit feedback via the online feedback form. Members of the public can also reach the project team with enquiries or submit feedback by emailing info@calderdaleenergypark.co.uk or by calling 01422 702506 between 9am and 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays, during this timeframe.
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