Large Windfarm proposal
From Jim McNeill - SDP
Saturday 12 October 2024
It pains me to say it, but as Hebden Bridge and the country have rejected nuclear and fracking, proposals such as Walshaw Moor need to go ahead.
There is no serious prospect of energy demand falling (AI is already using more power than Iceland), so the realistic options are hydro and onshore and offshore wind.
Onshore must play a significant part, and it is hypocritical in the extreme for those who have opposed nuclear to expect a special case to be made locally against the windfarm proposal. There are no magical lowland greyfield alternatives, and installations of the necessary scale will be disruptive in construction and have consequences for the local environment.
My preference would be the recommissioning of Wyfla and an accelerated program of SMRs built by Rolls Royce, but as the incoming Labour government has set its face against both, the Walshaw Moor proposal must have very serious consideration.
Jim McNeill is a candidate for the forthcoming Council bye-election - other candidates and more info here
From Pedro de Wit
Monday 14 October 2024
The windfarm on Walshaw Moor is a terrible idea. Yes, we need to ween ourselves of fossil fuel for the long term good of the planet but we also have to preserve our precious land scape for our children and grand children.
There is really not one good reason, except greed, to locate this windfarm on Walshaw Moor. We have plenty of space for offshore windfarms and millions of acres of wasteland or farmland that could be utilized. Besides all this the efficiency of windfarms leaves a lot to be desired and definitely not worth destroying a unique landscape.
From George Murphy
Friday 18 October 2024
Well, it doesn't seem to pain you too much Mr McNeill, if you don't even weigh the arguments put forward by your opponents.
Can you explain why you haven't mentioned the site's cultural significance, its economic importance as a tourist attraction, the impracticality of delivering and constructing giant turbines on a peat bog reached via minor roads and the importance of blanket bogs in terms of alleviating flooding and resistance to global warming?
If you do some research, you'll find that the people opposing the plans are not NIMBYs. They include well known and respected advocates for wind and solar farms who also have a scientific basis for defending our remaining peat bogs.
From Jim McNeill
Tuesday 22 October 2024
I have actually considered the arguments Mr Murphy, and I have no doubts of their sincerity or the knowledge of the people making them. However we are faced with bleak choices since we didn't build nuclear power when we had the chance, and my judgement is that the considerations you have listed are outweighed by our energy needs.
To my knowledge, nobody has listed more viable alternative sites, perhaps you know of some?
From Tim M
Wednesday 23 October 2024
The problem with this site is that it is not viable! It's an SSSI with no access, and grid connections are a long way away. The only thing that makes it viable is that it is high up and owned by one person.
The whole point of mitigating the climate catastrophe is to safeguard nature and reduce the impact of climate damage - this actually damages nature and likely increases the risk of local climate damage through flooding.
It's a highly speculative scheme that sets an alarming precedent. If here, why not in the Yorkshire Dales or Lake District?
From Jenny S, on behalf of Stronger Together - Stop Calderdale Wind Farm
Saturday 2 November 2024
Jim McNeill says, "To my knowledge, nobody has listed more viable alternative sites, perhaps you know of some?"
Two studies this year have produced evidence that the requirement for increased onshore wind can be easily met without building on protected peatland. One of the studies was by Friends of the Earth/Exeter University, the other by the RSPB.
For info, the FoE/Exeter University report is here
The RSPB Report is here
From Dai Larner
Monday 4 November 2024
Jenny, are you in favour of putting a solar farm on Bridestones? The report says this is a viable option.
See also:
HebWeb Forum: Large Windfarm proposal (Oct 2023 - April 2024)
HebWeb News: Ted Hughes Estate Backs the Campaign to stop Wind Farm 3 March 2024
HebWeb News: Stop Calderdale Wind Farm - Website launched 30 Jan 2024
HebWeb News: Walshaw Moor Wind Farm Public Meeting 13 Dec 2023
HebWeb News: Large Windfarm proposed 26 Sept 2023
Stop Calderdale Wind Farm website
Facebook: Calderdale Windfarm Action Group (against)
Facebook: Calderdale Wind & Climate Action Group (for)