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Striking a Balance: The Walshaw Moor Wind Farm Proposal
Should achieving net zero be at any cost? Our perspective on the Walshaw Moor wind farm proposals.
As West Yorkshire’s countryside charity, CPRE West Yorkshire fully supports the urgent need to tackle the climate crisis and move swiftly towards a net-zero future. The far-reaching consequences of climate change—such as increased flooding, extreme temperature changes, and droughts—are well known. Immediate action is essential to secure a more sustainable world for future generations, and renewable energy is fundamental to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
The Clean Energy Challenge
However, it’s equally vital that we achieve net zero while protecting the natural world that sustains us. CPRE’s rooftop solar campaign↗ is a good example of this balanced ambition. We want to see the millions of roofs on suitable new homes, existing commercial buildings, and large car parks used for solar energy. Rooftop solar is a significant part of a clean energy solution that can generate the electricity we need while cutting our carbon emissions—and sparing valuable land for food, farming, and nature.
Controversial Proposals on Protected Landscapes
Recent proposals for a large-scale wind farm at Walshaw Moor*↗ have provoked widespread concern among residents and environmental groups, and the issue continues to generate much discussion. While the project aims to create clean energy, the proposed site lies within one of England’s most environmentally protected landscapes.
Why Walshaw Moor Matters
Located in Calderdale’s Upper Calder Valley, Walshaw Moor has three designations reflecting its national and international importance for wildlife, peatland habitats, and carbon storage. It is part of the:
South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area (SPA) – designated for protecting rare and vulnerable moorland birds, including merlin and European golden plover.
South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC) – protects internationally important habitats such as active blanket bog, European dry heaths, and old sessile oak woods, which support biodiversity, store carbon, and help regulate water.
South Pennine Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – national protection for the area’s ecological, geological, and physiographic features.
Together, these layers of protection safeguard one of England’s most valuable upland environments.
CPRE West Yorkshire’s Local Knowledge
As part of our work across the county, CPRE West Yorkshire has been actively involved in the preparation and examination of Calderdale’s Local Plan over several years. We understand the local and strategic planning issues that affect Calderdale and the wider West Yorkshire area.
In response to Calderdale Council’s 2023 scoping opinion↗ on the wind farm proposal, we urged the Council to ensure↗ that any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) proceeds in two stages. First, it must determine whether the scheme complies with the Habitats and Species Regulations—a set of UK and European-derived legal protections for rare species and sensitive habitats—before considering all other planning impacts.
Standing with Local Campaigners
CPRE West Yorkshire supports local campaigners who are challenging the wind farm proposal. We share their concerns about the potential loss of vital habitats, threats to wildlife currently protected from development, and the wider ecological consequences. We also recognise that local people’s knowledge, passion, and commitment are essential in shaping effective responses to planning applications.
(Links to local campaign groups are included at the end of this article.)
Recent Developments at Walshaw Moor
The original proposal for 65 wind turbines—each 200 metres tall, making them likely the UK’s tallest onshore turbines—has recently been revised. The new plans reduce the number of turbines to 41 and introduce a Battery Energy Storage System, designed to store excess energy generated by the turbines.
While some may welcome the reduction, these turbines would still have a significant visual and ecological impact. At nearly twice the height of nearby turbines at the Ovenden Wind Farm, the revised proposal continues to raise substantial concerns. This blog* provides more details↗ on the project’s environmental implications.
May 2025: Informal Consultation Launched
Shortly after receiving the news that the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero had issued a Section 35 notice (recognising the proposals to be a nationally significant infrastructure project), the developer, Calderdale Wind Farm Limited, has launched a non-statutory public consultation*↗, describing it as an opportunity for the community to “share their thoughts, suggestions, or concerns” ahead of a formal consultation later in the year. Local engagement is critical to ensuring all voices are heard.
However, campaigners have already written to the company calling for the consultation to be suspended, citing concerns about factual errors in the revised plans.
Our Position
Given Walshaw Moor’s national and international importance, a key question is whether the proposed development can satisfy the requirements of the Habitats and Species Regulations. Based on current evidence, we believe the development is unlikely to meet these strict legal protections and therefore should not receive planning permission.
How you can help
CPRE West Yorkshire is a registered charity managed entirely by volunteers. We rely on donations and membership income to fund our work. Please consider making a donation or joining us
Links* to local campaign groups
*External links: The links provided on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended as endorsements or guarantees of the content on external websites. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information found on those sites. CPRE West Yorkshire cannot be held responsible for any damages or losses arising from your use of these external links or the content they contain. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content of a linked site, you should contact the owner directly.
