Campaigners are rallying against a proposed wind farm on Walshaw Moor, citing environmental concerns and seeking public support.
Calderdale: There’s a big push against a new wind farm on Walshaw Moor. A group called Stronger Together wants to stop it. They believe 100,000 signatures can spark a debate in Parliament.
They need people to sign their petition online. The deadline is July 24, 2025. So, if you want to help, check it out soon!
The proposed wind farm would have 65 turbines and cover over 2,300 hectares. It’s located between Stanbury and Hebden Bridge. The developers, Calder Wind Farm Ltd, say it could be the biggest in England.
They’ve sent a report to Calderdale Council to assess the potential impacts. But campaigners are worried about the effects on wildlife and the landscape. They fear it could harm the peat moorland, which is important for water retention and biodiversity.
Calder Wind Farm Ltd argues that the project will provide renewable energy for many homes. They claim it could power around 286,491 homes each year.
However, the campaigners point out that the government has suggested banning wind farms on peatland. They want to protect these habitats, which play a key role in carbon storage.
Campaigner Lydia Macpherson mentioned that it’s not guaranteed the government will make the necessary changes to protect the environment. There’s pressure to build more wind farms without considering the damage to nature.
Groups like Wild Justice and the Royal Town Planning Institute are also voicing their concerns. They hope the government listens to the feedback about protecting peatland.
The developers see this project as a test case for new wind planning rules. If approved, it could set a precedent that puts all protected peatland at risk.
While many agree that more wind farms are needed, campaigners believe there are better locations that don’t harm peatland. They stress the importance of finding the right balance.
