Council 'will play key role' in wind farm plan

Walshaw Moor in Calderdale could become home to 41 wind turbines

Calderdale Council will play a "crucial role" in developing plans for England's largest onshore wind farm despite the government having the final say, a councillor has said.

Calder Wind Farm Ltd wants to install 41 turbines at Walshaw Moor above Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire.

Critics have raised concerns about the impact of the plans on the local environment, but the developer said the site could provide electricity to power about 250,000 homes.

The application will be decided by Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, after the site was designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

Speaking at a meeting, Scott Patient, Calderdale Council's cabinet member for climate action and housing, said the authority "would still play a crucial role" when asked for clarity on their contribution, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

The council was a statutory consultee throughout the process and would be involved at several stages, he added.

This included the current pre-application stage, with Calder Wind Farm Ltd not expected to submit a planning application until spring 2026.

"The council's role is to ensure that the developer addresses local impacts and issues very early in the process," said Patient.

"[The council] will advise on local planning policies and highlight impacts on key local issues such as the green belt, ecology, highways, landscape, and flood risk."

Campaigners opposed to the proposals have voiced concerns about the impact the wind farm might have on protective peatland and the moorland habitat, including nesting birds.

They also raised concerns about the visual impact on what is known as "Bronte country", claiming each turbine would be as tall as Blackpool Tower with related infrastructure visible for miles.

The developer said the site would bring "substantial economic and employment benefits to both Calderdale and the wider region".

According to a spokesperson, Calderdale Energy Park "presents a key opportunity to support the UK Government's Net Zero targets, particularly given the strong wind resource at Walshaw Moor".

The government wants 95% of its electricity supply to be low-carbon by 2030.

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