National Trust opposes plans to build a giant windfarm above Hebden Bridge

The National Trust – a charity that owns and cares for old buildings and beautiful landscapes in the UK so everyone can visit them – has outlined its reasons for opposing Calderdale Energy Park.

Calderdale Energy Park (CEP) 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.

The National Trust’s Hardcastle Crags estate site lies directly below Walshaw Moor.

The company says the turbines will generate enough low carbon electricity to power 198,000 homes a year.

But the proposals have met with strong resistance from campaigners concerned about potential damage to peatland and loss of moorland habitat which is home to birds.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will ultimately decide whether or not this controversial application is given the green light.

Campaigners against the proposals are also reminding people that due to a glitch on some literature which meant some responses were not received by the original June 10 deadline, an extended period to July 8 has been allowed for people to register their views on the proposals.

The National Trust said: “We believe that the current proposals would harm biodiversity and fragile habitats, leading to declines in species and the quality of this irreplaceable environment.

“The moorland also provides access to several public rights of way, national trails, and is a valued recreational resource for local urban communities and visitors coming to the area.

“Calderdale Energy Park’s proposals would lead to an increased risk to our protected landscapes and heritage, long-term environmental degradation, and a significant loss of public value and community benefit.

“The priority for this site should be its invaluable contribution it provides for nature and people in the South Pennines,” they said.

Campaigners Stop Calderdale Wind Farm are urging people about the extended deadline for people to register their views on the proposals.

“Anyone who didn’t receive an acknowledgement from Calderdale Energy Park after sending their submission is strongly advised to resubmit their response as it’s possible that the developer never received their original submission.

“And for anyone who missed the original deadline, the good news is that there’s still time to respond.

“This is the last opportunity for the public to have their say before Calderdale Energy Park submits its application for a Development Consent Order to the Government later this year,” says the group.

The correct email address for consultation responses is: [email protected]

You can also respond by letter by Freepost (no stamp required) to: FREEPOST CALDERDALE ENERGY PARK

Alternatively, fill out the online feedback form on Calderdale Energy Park’s website: www.calderdaleenergypark.co.uk/have-your-say