Villagers overwhelmingly reject plans for new windfarm close to Hebden Bridge
Locals fear it could impact a local beauty spot
Last updated 8th Jul 2025
Villagers have given a “thumbs down” to controversial proposals to build what could be the country’s biggest windfarm on moorland above their Calderdale homes.
Last year, Calder Wind Farm Ltd submitted a scoping document to Calderdale Council outlining proposals which, in the company’s revised form, would see 41 giant turbines sites at Walshaw Moor above Hebden Bridge.
Campaigners opposing proposals are concerned about impact the windfarm might have on protective peatland and the moorland habitat, including nesting birds.
Opponents say each would be as tall as Blackpool Tower, with a lot of related infrastructure, and would be visible for miles impacting on heritage places including Bronte country.
But the company argues that the Calderdale Energy Park would be capable of generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 250,000 homes and reduce national CO2 emissions by approximately 354,000 tonnes each year, they claim.
Wadsworth Parish Council, whose residents live in the area immediately below the moorland, conducted a survey through April and May asking them for their views on the issue.
The council commissioned the survey from researchers Field Locker and the results show 93 per cent of those responding to it are opposed to the proposed scheme.
Results showed people’s primary concerns were destruction of moorland habitats and wildlife (61 per cent) and possible increased flood risk and destruction of peat (58 per cent).
Coun Jon Kimber, Chair of Wadsworth Parish Council, said the council decided to survey parishioners in the spring to determine their attitudes to renewable energy in general and opinions particularly about the proposed development on Walshaw Moor specifically.
“In developing that survey we were particularly careful to avoid any form of bias in the questioning, to avoid being accused of asking leading questions.
“The survey revealed that 93 per cent of parishioners who responded were opposed to the development.
“As a result the Parish Council felt that we had a mandate to formally oppose the windfarm development and resolved to do that unanimously.
“Eight out of 10 people who oppose the windfarm cited either potential risk of flooding or adverse effects on the natural environment as reasons for objection,” he said.
Field Locker said the objective of the survey was “to help inform Wadsworth Parish Council how it should support its residents with regards to the proposed windfarm development.”
The survey was distributed to more than 85 per cent of households from the total household population of 706 – 1,618 people, said Field Locker.
In all 208 completed returns from around 190 unique households were received with people able to respond online or by post or telephone.
They survey showed 87 per cent of those responding believe renewable energy is important to them, but more believe it should be offshore, according to the results.