Pendle Green Party Opposes Calderdale Energy Park Plans

The project, first unveiled in 2023 and revised following public consultation, is currently proposed to include up to 34 wind turbines on Walshaw Moor on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border and has been promoted as a nationally significant contribution to the UK's net-zero ambitions.

However, the plans have attracted strong criticism from residents, campaign groups and local politicians, with concerns focusing on potential impacts on protected peatland, wildlife habitats, the Brontë landscape and construction traffic through communities including Laneshaw Bridge and Colne.

The party says the scheme conflicts with Green Party policy due to its potential impact on biodiversity, wildlife habitats and peatland, and has backed objections submitted through the ‘Stronger Together’ consultation response.

In a statement, Dave Penney from the Pendle branch of the party said it remains committed to the expansion of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, but stressed that projects must be sited appropriately and avoid causing significant environmental harm.

The party's concerns focus on the potential impact of the development on biodiversity, wildlife habitats and peatland areas. It argues that peatlands play a vital role as carbon sinks and that any lasting damage to these landscapes would undermine wider environmental objectives.

Mr Penney said: “Pendle Green Party is opposed to the Calderdale Energy Park because we oppose wind farms and other renewable energy projects in locations deemed unsuitable, particularly where they pose significant threats to biodiversity, wildlife and ecological integrity with specific reference to the lasting damage to peatlands as essential carbon sinks.”

Pendle Green Party also raised concerns about the wider environmental effects of the scheme, including the transportation of large machinery and construction materials to the proposed site. The party said communities along transport routes could experience disruption and environmental impacts as a result of the development.

The statement concludes that the party fully supports the detailed consultation response submitted by the ‘Stronger Together’ campaign group, which opposes the Calderdale Energy Park proposals.

The Calderdale Energy Park proposals remain subject to consultation and assessment, with supporters arguing the scheme would contribute to the UK's transition to renewable energy and help meet climate targets.