Number of wind turbines planned for section of West Yorkshire moorland cut
The Calderdale Energy Park plans for Walshaw Moor, above Hebden Bridge., have been reduced in size
Campaigners against proposals to build a giant windfarm on West Yorkshire moorland believe they are winning the battle – but the fight isn’t over yet.
The Stop Calderdale Windfarm campaigners oppose Calderdale Energy Park proposals to put giant turbines on Walshaw Moor, above Hebden Bridge.
The say in a presentation to local parish councils this month the developers revealed the have scaled back their plans for the second time.
Their original proposal in September 2023 was for 65 turbines, reduced to 41 in April 2025.
They have now reduced that number further to 34 after widespread criticism and public opposition, claims the campaign group.
The group adds the timescale for the project has also slipped, with Statutory Public Consultation previously scheduled for January now being put back to April 2026.
Despite believing it shows the developers might be on the back foot, the group warns the fight is far from over.
“The developers are clearly on the defensive, but the latest proposals would still be incredibly damaging to the carbon-rich blanket peat bogs on Walshaw Moor and the endangered ground-nesting birds which breed on this internationally important Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).
“If Calderdale Energy Park goes ahead, even in a reduced form, it would still be an environmental disaster for the countryside, wildlife, cultural heritage and people of Calderdale and Bronte Country,” argue the group.
The developers have claimed the scheme would be capable of generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 250,000 homes, helping meet the country’s energy needs.
But opponents say each would be as tall as Blackpool Tower and would be visible for miles, impacting on heritage places including Bronte country, and power connection points as far afield as Greater Manchester and near Leeds.
Two wind farm surveys carried out recently by Wadsworth Parish Council and Hebden Royd Town Council confirm an overwhelming majority of local residents are opposed to the proposals 93 per cent of those responding in the case of Wadsworth, where the wind farm would be sited, and 86 per cent of responders in the case of Hebden Royd, say the campaigners.