Walshaw Moor: Time running out to make views known on controversial moorland windfarm in Yorkshire
There are just weeks left for people to make their views known on controversial proposals to build one of the biggest windfarms in the country.
Public consultation on Calderdale Energy Park’s plans to put 34 giant wind turbines on Walshaw Moor, which is located between Hebden Bridge and Haworth, the village associated with the Bronte sisters, runs until June 10.
The company says the turbines will generate enough low carbon electricity to power 198,000 homes a year, but campaigners say the moor is not the right place for the huge windfarm.
Stop Calderdale Wind Farm campaigner Penny Bennett said the campaigners are really supportive of green energy and believe it is important to have wind energy as as part of the transition to green energy across England.
She said: “This is not the right place to put wind turbines. We shouldn’t be putting them on peat moorland which is a really important habitat for birds.
“These birds have bred here for decades and this is their home – this is where they belong.”
Another campaigner, Jenny Shepherd, said: “They should not go ahead with this project – and they should look for a site on mineral soil, not peatland.”
She said peat takes carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and dead plants which do not then oxidise, keeping the carbon in the moor: “When that’s damaged, all that work it does to regulate the climate and mitigate climate change, that goes.
“And for a green energy project that’s supposed to be happening to reduce climate change, that makes zero sense.”
In a statement, Christian Egal, Calderdale Energy Park’s project director, said the company fully recognised people care deeply about Walshaw Moor and that there are strongly-held views about how it should be protected and managed, particularly in relation to peatland.
“That is why the proposals are being developed alongside a comprehensive environmental assessment, including detailed surveys of peat, hydrology, habitats and bird life.
“The design of the scheme is being informed by this evidence, with a clear commitment to avoiding, minimising and mitigating impacts at every stage.
“Importantly, the project also presents opportunities to support the long-term restoration and management of degraded peat areas, helping to improve their condition as functioning carbon sites and habitats,” he said.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will ultimately decide whether or not this controversial application is given the green light.
Further information about the project and the statutory consultation can be found at www.calderdalenergypark.co.uk – members of the public can provide feedback including via the online feedback form.