Design Approach & Environmental Consenting
Iterative Design Process
We are continuing to work on gathering information to fully understand the baseline conditions on the site. We have collected data on peat, habitat identification and classification, protected species surveys, bird surveys and baseline noise monitoring and have carried out site visits to understand the natural and historic landscape in and around the site. We are continuing to develop a design that takes account of these baseline conditions throughout the iterative design process.
We will also be conducting a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment and a Noise Impact Assessment to better understand and mitigate the effects of Calderdale Energy Park on the character of the landscape, people’s views of the landscape and the noise impacts on the local community.
Th design process is ongoing, with survey information, consultation responses, and community engagement feeding into the design as information becomes available. Examples of this include identifying where watercourses, areas of deepest peat and very sensitive habitats are located, then avoiding the placement of infrastructure close to or in these areas where practicable.
Environmental Features Maps
The design of Calderdale Energy Park continues to evolve, and the design presented at this stage has taken account of information gathered since 2023. Use the interactive environmental features maps below to learn more.
International & National Ecological Designations
UK Habitat Survey
The Site is home to several distinct habitats, as shown on this map. Our proposed turbine locations aim to minimise potential impacts on the most sensitive habitats and species. We will also be implementing habitat restoration measures to improve the biodiversity of the site.
Hydrology
There are several waterbodies and watercourses within the Site. Calderdale Energy Park will include water management strategies to enhance water retention and protect the peatland hydrology.
Public Access, Green Belt & Recreation
The eastern portion of the site is located within the Green Belt and there are several footpaths and bridleways within the Site, as well as a National Trail (the Pennine Way). We have taken into consideration the importance of preserving the natural beauty and accessibility of the area in our proposals. While there may be temporary closures or diversions to certain paths during the construction phase to ensure safety, these changes will be communicated well in advance, and we will strive to keep any inconveniences to a minimum.
Cultural Heritage – Statutory Designations
There are several listed buildings within close proximity to the Site, largely concentrated south of the site boundary. As part of the EIA, we will assess the impact of our proposals on designated and nondesignated heritage assets. We will propose mitigation measures to
minimise adverse effects on known heritage assets, including the identification of stand-off distances to designated assets to reduce the potential for direct effects on these statutory designations. We will also consider the setting of the heritage assets during the iterative design process and will ensure a cohesive design that minimises effects on key heritage views to, from and through heritage assets.
Peat Depths
Peatlands play an important role in the environment by storing carbon and improving biodiversity. Our proposed turbine locations avoid placing turbines in the areas of deepest peat based on the survey data we have to date and any consent will secure a Peat Management Plan to handle, store and restore displaced peat. Peat data interpolated using Kriging method.
* Please note: a typographical error has been identified in the key on the Peat Depths Map published as part of the non-statutory consultation documents. The Interpolated peat depth (m) band 0.5 – 1 should be labelled 0.4 – 1. There are no changes to details on the map itself and the map represents a worst case scenario based on the surveys undertaken to date. Further peat survey work is ongoing.
Minimising Environmental Impact
Our proposals aim to minimise adverse effects and enhance the existing environment where practicable, while maximising the potential for harnessing renewable energy. Key steps include:
- Sensitive key infrastructure placement to minimise potential impacts on the most sensitive habitats and species, being cognisant that Calderdale Energy Park would be in an SAC, SPA and SSSI.
- Habitat restoration initiatives to mitigate impacts associated with construction and enhance biodiversity.
- Low-impact construction methods to reduce disruption during the build phase, including the use of sustainable materials, minimising land disturbance, and adhering to best practice techniques to protect, and where possible enhance, the surrounding environment.
Given the international (and national) designations on the Site, we are undertaking a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) in line with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). If Calderdale Energy Park is likely to have a significant effect on the SAC and/or the SPA, either from Calderdale Energy Park alone or in combination with other plans or projects, an appropriate assessment would be required.
Ongoing Consultation
We are committed to working with stakeholders, including Natural England, the Environment Agency, Historic England and local communities, to ensure that Calderdale Energy Park meets environmental standards and delivers long-term benefits.
Further updates will be shared in our Preliminary Environmental Report (PEIR) as part of the statutory consultation process to be undertaken later this year.
Peatland Protection & Management
Peatlands play a crucial role in carbon storage and biodiversity. We are conducting detailed studies to assess the depth, composition, and hydrology of the peat on-site, to inform the iterative design process and minimise disturbance.
Key aspects of our approach include:
- Minimising excavation and disturbance of the deepest peat areas.
- Developing an outline Peat Management Plan as part of the application to handle, store, and restore displaced peat. This will be updated by the relevant Contractor prior to any works being commenced on site to incorporate the current best practices peat management.
- Incorporating catchment-wide water management strategies to preserve peatland hydrology, enhance water retention and reduce flood risk.
- Post-construction restoration management and monitoring.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The EIA is a comprehensive process that identifies and assesses likely significant effects on the environment from a proposed development. The EIA will assess the ‘Maximum Design Scenarios’ for each impact, which ensures that the worst-case scenario is assessed so that the impacts of any DCO which is granted fall within the maximum parameters of what was assessed in the EIA and appropriate mitigation is secured. The EIA will include assessment of inter-related effects from Calderdale Energy Park (for example, the impacts of noise and landscape and visual effects on residential receptors acting in combination) and a cumulative assessment of effects from other existing and/or approved projects, together with Calderdale Energy Park.
For Calderdale Energy Park, the EIA process includes:
- EIA Scoping: Identifying topic areas that would be included in the EIA and providing justification for scoping out topic areas that would not result in likely significant effects.
- Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR): The PEIR is a way of providing preliminary environmental information and the findings of the EIA undertaken to date, published alongside statutory consultation to allow consultees to develop an informed view of the project’s potential environmental effects.
- Environmental Statement: Detailing the findings of the EIA for Calderdale Energy Park and identifying any relevant mitigation required.
- Decision Making: Examination Authority and Secretary of State review the DCO application which includes the Environmental Statement to determine whether to grant approval.
- Post-Decision: The Examining Authority and Secretary of State review the DCO application which includes the Environmental Statement to determine whether to recommend and grant approval.
Key topic areas for the EIA include:
- Landscape and visual
- Cultural heritage
- Hydrology, hydrogeology and geology (including peat)
- Ecology
- Climate change
- Ornithology
- Traffic and movement
- Noise and air quality
- Other issues such as aviation, health, socioeconomics, shadow flicker and telecommunications
Get in touch
Community information line:
01422 702506
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Email us at:
info@calderdaleenergypark.co.uk
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Write to us:
Freepost CALDERDALE ENERGY PARK
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