Friday, 12 December 2025
Windfarm survey results: 90% against
The results of the survey conducted by Hebden Royd Town Council were published today.
Calderdale Energy Park propose building up to 41 giant wind turbines on the peatland of Walshaw Moor, above Hebden Bridge.
Hebden Royd Town Council carried out a survey to gather the opinions of the residents and business owners in Hebden Royd and surrounding areas.
Q: What is your current opinion on
the Calderdale Energy Park proposal?
1211 people responded to the survey with three quarters of them living in Hebden Bridge or the hilltop villages.
The reasons cited by those responding were Disturbance / destruction of peat and associated carbon dioxide emissions, the impact on natural habitats and the biodiversity of the site, and that the site is an Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.
Respondents tended to the view that while renewable energy is vital, this specific site is wholly unsuitable.
Several comments highlight that the proposal seems driven by profit, particularly for overseas investors, rather than genuine environmental benefit, describing it as "greenwashing" or "a money-making scheme."
A small minority of respondents support the project, viewing it as necessary step toward carbon neutrality, local energy security, and long-term sustainability.
Cllr. Steve Woodhead, Chair of the Town Council Local Environment and Climate Committee said, "Overall, the majority opinion is clear: people value renewable energy but believe this proposal represents the right idea in the wrong place."
Read the Town Council survey report in full
Useful links:
- Save and Restore Walshaw Moor
- Calderdale wind (developer): Calderdale Wind Farm
- Stop Calderdale Energy Park:
- Guardian: What do Saudi developers know of Heathcliff? Brontë country up in arms over windfarm plan (Jan 2024)
Previously on the HebWeb
HebWeb News: Calder Valley MP has "lost his way" on how to protect Walshaw Moor (Nov 2025)
HebWeb Forum: Windfarms on protected peatland
HebWeb Forum: Calderdale Wind Farm (May- June 2025)
HebWeb News: Legal challenge to massive windfarm proposal (June 25)
HebWeb News: Report: Walshaw Windfarm community assembly
HebWeb Forum: Large Windfarm proposal (Oct 24 - Feb 25)