Consultation begins on Hope Moor Wind Farm in Yorkshire Dales
The scheme has been branded as “devastating industrialisation”
Public consultation has begun on controversial plans for a huge wind farm which developers say could generate enough green energy to power around 135,000 homes, but critics have condemned as “devastating industrialisation” of Yorkshire Dales moorland.
The eight-week consultation on the proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm scheme, which is proposed for land near the Stang Forest, between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale, launched today (WEDNESDAY).
Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to view the plans for the scheme and provide feedback before the scheme progresses further.
Developer Fred. Olsen Renewables (FORL) is proposing the construction of 23 wind turbines, each standing up to 200 metres high to blade tip.
The development would have a generating capacity of more than 150MW, FORL says.
The company adds that the project would play an important role in supporting the UK’s climate targets and strengthening long-term energy security, while also bringing investment and environmental improvements to the local area.
As part of the proposals, FORL says it is exploring opportunities to create a “long-lasting legacy” for surrounding communities through initiatives including a community benefit fund, local employment opportunities, peatland and habitat restoration work and improved access to the site.
Developers also say they want to work alongside farmers, landowners and local residents to help maintain traditional countryside skills such as drystone walling while improving understanding of the area’s landscape and heritage.
Euan Hutchinson, UK development director at FORL, said the consultation process was intended to gather local views before more detailed plans are prepared.
He said: “Hope Moor Wind Farm is being developed with the local community very much in mind.
“This first stage of consultation is about listening to and understanding what matters to people locally and using that feedback to help shape our plans before we come back with a second stage of consultation later this year.
“We encourage people to take a look at the proposals at this stage and share their views. What you tell us will help inform how the project develops.”
The Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group, which was formed to fight the plans, has also urged the public to take part in the consultation.
A spokesperson said: “Our primary purpose is to save the Yorkshire Dales landscape from this devastating industrialisation.
“The proposal would turn this wildlife haven into a massive energy park on valuable peatland and these towering structures would dominate views for miles around.
“We would actively encourage anyone who might be impacted to actively engage and obtain as much information from Olsens on their detailed plans covering the highway access routes, grid connection, cable routes, ecology, wildlife and landscape impact and mitigation.”
Following the official consultation, developers say feedback will be reviewed before a second round of engagement later this year ahead of an anticipated development consent order application to the Planning Inspectorate in 2027.
A series of public drop-in consultation events will take place across the area over the coming weeks.
- Saturday, May 16, 10am to 3pm — Newsham Village Hall
- Tuesday, May 19, 3pm to 8pm — Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall
- Wednesday, May 20, 3pm to 8pm — Barningham Village Hall
- Thursday, May 21, 3pm to 8pm — Reeth Memorial Hall
- Thursday, June 4, 3pm to 8pm — Newsham Village Hall
- Saturday, June 6, 10am to 3pm — Reeth Memorial Hall
Additional drop-in morning sessions will also be held at:
- Wednesday, May 20, 9am to 12pm — The Witham, Barnard Castle
- Friday, May 22, 9am to 12pm — The Station, Richmond
An online consultation webinar is also planned for Wednesday, June 10 at 6pm for those unable to attend in person.
Consultation responses can be submitted online, by email or by post until June 30.
Visit www.hopemoor.co.uk for more information.
The action group will hold its own public meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, May 19 at The Witham in Barnard Castle.