FAQs

To meet the country’s energy targets, the government’s plan requires a mix of onshore wind and other low carbon energy sources such as offshore wind and solar.

At present, onshore wind is more economical to develop. Offshore wind takes longer to build because the sea is inherently a trickier environment. Under the Government’s plan, it wouldn’t be possible to meet our renewable energy targets and Net Zero obligations with only offshore wind development.

The Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan is based on a significant expansion of both offshore and onshore wind, with ambitions for 43-50 GW offshore capacity and 27-29 GW onshore capacity by 2030.

A key benefit of wind as an energy source is that it is completely free. It is also unlimited.

Furthermore, modern wind turbine technology has advanced significantly, leading to increased reliability and efficiency. A modern wind farm produces electricity 70-85% of the time.

While wind is intermittent, a well-designed energy grid can integrate wind power with other energy sources to ensure a consistent and reliable electricity supply.

The UK needs a mix of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures – as quickly as possible if the Government is to meet its clean power targets.

Significant money has been invested in other technologies including nuclear, gas and solar which will all have an important role to play in the UK’s future energy mix. However, wind energy is a cost-effective renewable energy technology available right now to help drive the energy transition and secure our energy future.

Wind is consistently cheaper than new gas-fired generation, onshore wind generates electricity at around half the cost of new gas-fired power, while offshore wind is around 40% cheaper.

On today’s record gas prices, new gas generation would be more than double the cost of new onshore wind if sustained.

Onshore wind is among the most popular energy sources, with 80% of people surveyed in 2025 saying they supported its use in the UK. In the same survey, 37% of the public said they would be very happy or fairly happy with having an onshore wind project proposed near them.

Feedback from our own non‑statutory consultation echoed this national picture: 79% of respondents to the consultation agreed that wind projects should be developed to provide clean, renewable energy.

The comparison of energy used in manufacture with the energy produced by a power station is known as the ‘energy balance’ expressed in terms of energy ‘pay back’ time – i.e. the time needed to generate the amount of energy used in constructing the wind turbine or power station.

Research by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) shows it takes 3-5 months of operation before the average wind farm pays back the energy used in its manufacture. This compares favourably with coal or nuclear power stations, which take about six months.

 The energy used and carbon emissions created during construction are already included when calculating how long a turbine takes to “pay back” the energy used to make it.

Construction and installation activities account for around 10% of the project’s total lifetime greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions mainly occur over a short construction period, rather than throughout the project’s lifetime.

 Most construction‑phase emissions come from:

• Peat handling (around 5% of total lifetime emissions), where some carbon is released when peat is excavated, temporarily stored and reinstated during construction.

• On‑site construction work (around 4%), such as the use of construction vehicles and machinery.

Much smaller contributions come from temporary construction materials and staff travel, each accounting for less than 1% of total lifetime emissions.

Once construction is complete and the turbines are operating, the carbon emissions associated with construction are quickly offset by the clean, renewable electricity generated. Over its lifetime, a wind turbine produces many times more energy than was used to manufacture, install and build it, resulting in ain a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuel power generation.

More detail can be found in PEIR Chapter 11: Carbon and Climate Change.

Onshore wind strengthens the UK’s energy security by adding a clean, home‑grown source of power that reduces our reliance on imported fuels. Because wind generation costs nothing to “refuel” and is spread across many sites, it helps protect the system from global price fluctuations and single points of failure.

As our energy mix continues to diversify, new forms of long‑duration energy storage (LDES) — such as advanced batteries, pumped hydro, hydrogen storage and other emerging technologies — will complement onshore wind. These solutions store excess wind power when conditions are favourable and release it when needed, helping to keep supply steady throughout the day and year.

Although wind varies with the weather, pairing onshore wind with modern storage provides the same kind of stability and responsiveness the system currently gets from gas. And because wind farms and storage sites can be distributed across the country, they create a more flexible and resilient network overall.

Renewables already help lower bills, but the UK’s electricity market is still closely tied to the price of gas. Even when wind and other renewables are generating plenty of clean power, gas plants are often needed to keep the grid balanced and the cost of that gas still tends to set the overall price of electricity. When international gas prices rise, households feel it, even if much of our power is coming from UK renewables.

The good news is that renewables behave differently. Wind and solar have little to no fuel cost, making them a stable and affordable source of energy once built. As the UK continues to expand domestic renewable generation, we can reduce our reliance on imported gas and the price shocks that come with it. Over time, this can help protect households from volatility and support more predictable, lower bills.

With the North Sea’s role in oil and gas naturally declining, renewables offer a modern, home grown alternative. Providing clean energy, supporting energy independence, and helping keep costs down in the long run.

Calderdale Energy Park is a sustainable, renewable energy project that could play a vital role in the UK’s energy security and climate goals. It aims to strike a balance between the management of environmental sensitivities in the local area and the need for clean energy, while also delivering long-term benefits to the local community and the wider region.

It is proposed to be located on 2,227 ha of land to the north of Hebden Bridge in Calderdale, West Yorkshire. The current design is proposed to include:

• Up to 34 wind turbines, each up to a height of 200m

• A dedicated substation and grid connection

• Environmental protection measures as required such as biodiversity enhancements and waterflow retention measures

Calderdale Energy Park will generate approximately 240 MW of renewable energy, enough to power around 198,000 homes – more than double the number of residential properties in Calderdale.

Since the initial proposals were first announced in 2023, the project has evolved. Early designs for what was then known as Calderdale Wind Farm included up to 65 turbines, solar panels and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). In 2025, a refined design was shared with consultees showing 41 turbines and a BESS, the removal of solar panels, and adjusted access routes and grid connections.

Following extensive community feedback and ongoing technical assessment work, the 2026 design proposals reflect changes to ensure the project is environmentally sensitive, technically robust, compliant and responsive to local views. The key updates are outlined below.

Reduced Number of Wind Turbines

The 2026 design now proposes up to 34 turbines, a reduction of seven turbines from the 2025 design. This reduction reflects the findings of environmental surveys alongside feedback from statutory consultees and local communities, who raised concerns relating to landscape and visual effects, peatland impacts, heritage settings, aviation constraints and noise effects.

These issues have directly influenced the removal, repositioning and re‑siting of turbines to ensure the layout is more environmentally sensitive and better reflects the expectations and feedback of the local community.

Removal of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Earlier proposals included a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to store excess electricity. Following a review of consultation feedback, further environmental and technical work, and confirmation that no requirement for battery storage has been identified by grid operators in this area, the BESS has been removed from the 2026 design. The scheme now focuses solely on delivering efficient, large‑scale onshore wind generation.

Updated Export Capacity

With the refined 2026 layout, the project is now expected to export approximately 240 MW of renewable electricity to the Bradford West Substation. A change from earlier estimates of approximately 300 MW.

Grid Connection

The project initially considered four grid connection options. Further technical work and feedback identified Bradford West Substation as the most suitable choice, and a feasibility study supported this approach. CWFL then requested a formal change of the Point of Connection to the Bradford West substation under the existing NESO Leeds North grid connection offer, as part of the Gate 2 reform process.

We are currently investigation one potential underground cable route to connect the project into the grid; this route is being referred to as the Bradford West Cable Corridor. The route has not yet been finalised and is being developed in close discussion with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), Northern Powergrid (NPG) statutory consultees, local authorities and landowners.

Access Routes

We have refined our construction access strategy to minimise disruption and improve safety.

Two access points are proposed:

• West (A6068): Expected to be used by Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), construction traffic, staff and (Abnormal Indivisible Loads) AILs.

• East (A6033): For HGVs, construction traffic and staff for construction and operation

Ongoing technical and environmental work continues to shape these routes, and both remain under review. Further detail on the preferred access arrangements are provided in the PEIR published for the statutory consultation.

Abnormal Load Routes

During the non statutory consultation, we presented two possible AIL transport routes: a western option and an eastern option. As a result of further technical and environmental work the western route is now the proposed AIL route, as it best avoids impacts on sensitive environmental and heritage features. A secondary private road option along Lancashire Moor Road is also being considered as part of the Western Access Route to address potential pinch points.

Although the western route is now preferred for AIL movements, both access routes remain under review and will continue to be refined through ongoing technical work and engagement with landowners, highways authorities and other stakeholders. More detail is provided in the PEIR published for the statutory consultation.

The Applicant is CWFL who is sponsored by NextGen Infra, a global investment group and subsidiary of Al Gihaz Holding, with a development track record of over 550 MW of renewable energy projects.

Al Gihaz Holding is active across energy, construction, and industrial solutions with a strong presence in the UK power supply chain via Lamprell, a leading provider of offshore wind infrastructure, and Enshore Subsea, an industry expert in subsea cabling solutions for offshore wind.

The Government aims to achieve at least 95% of its electricity generation from low carbon energy by 2030, improving our energy security, unlocking investment and leading to cheaper electricity for consumers. It also has a legally binding target to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

However, achieving this ambition will require “rapid deployment” of new clean energy capacity, according to the Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. “To hold to our path to 2030, we know that the government must take radical action, quickly,” it adds. The Plan includes ambitions for 27-29 GW of onshore wind generation and 23-27 GW of battery capacity.

As one of the biggest onshore wind farms in England, approval of this project would mark a major milestone in delivering the Government’s clean energy ambitions. With gross electricity demand in the North of England expected to exceed 10GW by 2030, Calderdale Energy Park represents a critical step in meeting rising regional needs while advancing the UK’s clean energy targets.

If consented Calderdale Energy Park would generate approximately 240MW of electricity, which is enough renewable electricity to power around 198,000 homes – more than double the number of residential properties in Calderdale.

The Project would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 2.9m tonnes across the lifetime of the project when compared to fossil-fuel electricity generation.

Our proposals for the Project continue to evolve. Survey information, consultation responses and community engagement are feeding into our design as it becomes available. This means the proposals are subject to change as part of this iterative design process.

Feedback received during the statutory consultation will be used to help finalise the proposals for Calderdale Energy Park for submission of the DCO application later this year.

The main Turbine Area (the site) is located in the Borough of Calderdale, West Yorkshire, on 2,227 ha of land at Walshaw Moor, either side of the three Walshaw Dean Reservoirs.

Some associated infrastructure needed to support the project extends beyond the main site. An indicative underground grid connection route runs from the site through Calderdale and into the City of Bradford, connecting to Bradford West Substation.

Potential access routes are also located across several local authority areas. The proposed Eastern Access Route is within Calderdale and the City of Bradford, while the proposed Western Access Route is within Calderdale, the City of Bradford, and Pendle Borough.

The site was chosen because of its immense wind potential, its ability to accommodate a large number of turbines to generate renewable energy at scale in a relatively remote location and  there are limited residential properties within the site boundary.

The location also benefits from good access to main ports for transport of blades and other abnormal load components. and is close to an existing electricity network connection, helping to reduce the need for extensive new infrastructure.

We followed a structured, step‑by‑step site selection process to make sure the location for Calderdale Energy Park is technically feasible, environmentally responsible and aligned with national policy.

We began by looking at broad areas across England with strong wind speeds, enough land to host large‑scale renewable infrastructure, and a realistic opportunity to connect to the electricity grid. From there, we used detailed mapping to understand local constraints such as designated habitats, peatland, watercourses, heritage features, topography and nearby communities. This helped us narrow down the areas where development might be feasible.

Each part of the Site was then assessed using a colour‑coded environmental and technical review system (known as BRAG), which helped us identify locations that should be avoided and those that could be managed sensitively. As new information emerged — including peat surveys, aviation advice and landscape assessments — the design was refined, with the number of turbines reduced and several locations moved or removed altogether.

At the same time, we explored a range of grid connection and access options. After comparing technical feasibility and environmental impact, Bradford West was identified as the most suitable connection point. Access routes were also refined to limit effects on sensitive habitats, heritage features and local roads.

More detail is available in Chapter 5: Alternatives and Design Evolution of the PEIR, which you can view on the project website. A Site Selection Assessment Report will be provided in the Planning Statement with the DCO Application at the submission stage.

Calderdale Energy Park aligns closely with the UK’s national energy and climate policies, which prioritise rapid expansion of clean, home‑grown electricity.

Government strategy, including the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan and the legally binding Net Zero 2050 target, sets out a clear need for large‑scale renewable energy projects to help deliver a low‑carbon and secure power system. Onshore wind is recognised as one of the most cost‑effective and scalable technologies to achieve this, and National Policy Statements EN‑1 and EN‑3 highlight the urgent need for new onshore wind generation across England. The deployment of onshore wind farms is critical in meeting the government’s Clean Power 2030 Mission. The Clean Power Action Plan estimates the need for 27-29GW of operational onshore wind capacity by 2030.

Overall, the project is aligned with national policy set out in the National Policy Statements: it helps address an urgent national need for renewable energy, it makes efficient use of natural resources, and it contributes to the UK’s transition to a secure, affordable and low‑carbon electricity system.

At present the scheme is expected to include up to 34 turbines, each up to a height of 200m, with an assumed capacity of around 7MW each.

The other elements of the scheme include:

•         An onsite substation

•         Access tracks and watercourse crossings

•         A meteorological mast (to measure wind and weather)

•         Underground electrical cables connecting the turbines

•         Borrow pits (local sources of stone for construction)

•         Temporary construction areas, including a concrete batching plant

•         Drainage, fencing, lighting, CCTV, landscaping, and other associated and ancillary development

CWFL is also proposing to carry out a range of environmental mitigation and enhancement measures across the site, the details of which will be confirmed within the Environmental Statement.

During the non‑statutory consultation, we presented four potential grid connection options for linking Calderdale Energy Park to the National Grid. These options were:

• A connection via Northern Powergrid at the Bradford West substation

• A connection via Electricity North West at the Rochdale substation

• A connection via NESO at a new substation north of Leeds

• A connection via Northern Powergrid at the Elland Road substation in Leeds

Following feedback and further technical work, these were refined to one preferred option: a connection via Northern Powergrid at the existing Bradford West substation.

Because the future location of the proposed Leeds North substation is still uncertain, the Bradford West Substation option provided a reliable and technically feasible solution. A feasibility study from Northern Powergrid supported this approach.

To provide certainty for the project, CWFL then requested a formal change of the Point of Connection to the Bradford West Substation under the existing NESO Leeds North grid connection offer, as part of the Gate 2 reform process.

Preference has been given to the Bradford West Point of Connection over Rochdale as Rochdale carried far greater environmental and planning constraints than other options.

The corridor passed through multiple highly sensitive designations including SSSI, SAC and SPA land, areas of Priority Habitat, Ancient Woodland and the Healey Dell Local Nature Reserve, making avoidance and mitigation significantly more challenging. It also risked intersecting National Trust inalienable land at Hardcastle Crags, introducing additional constraints and reducing the flexibility to route the cable effectively.

The area also included valued landscapes, Special Landscape Areas and well‑used public routes such as the Calderdale Way and Pennine Bridleway, meaning construction impacts would have been more difficult to manage. Taken together, these environmental and heritage constraints meant Rochdale presented disproportionate impacts compared with the technically feasible and more environmentally manageable Bradford West connection.

We are currently investigating a potential underground cable route to connect Calderdale Energy Park to the electricity network at the Bradford West Substation. An initial route corridor has been identified within what we call the Bradford West Cable Corridor.

This route is not final. It is being developed in close discussion with: National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), Northern Powergrid (NPG), statutory consultees, local authorities and landowners.

To reduce impacts on local communities and the environment, the Bradford West Cable Corridor has been designed to avoid a number of sensitive areas wherever possible, including:

This approach helps ensure that construction can take place safely while reducing disruption for residents, road users and the natural environment. This route will continue to be refined through detailed design, environmental and technical work and assessments and input from landowners, local authorities and statutory bodies.

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) – except along the A6033, where the cable would run within the existing road corridor which runs adjacent to the SSSI.

• Historic landfill areas and former quarries, such as the former Thomas Crompton Buck Park Quarry

• Woodland – where the cable must pass beneath woodland, it would be installed using trenchless techniques such as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

• Major watercourses – all large crossings are avoided where possible; where necessary, crossings (such as Nab Water) will use HDD

• Major A roads – the route avoids significant roads, except along the A6033 where it remains within the existing highway corridor

• At Keighley Road and Whalley Lane in Denholme, HDD will be used to avoid road closures, and the route has been placed parallel to Whalley Lane to keep the road open throughout construction.

 This approach helps ensure that construction can take place safely while reducing disruption for residents, road users and the natural environment. This route will continue to be refined through detailed design, environmental and technical work and assessments and input from landowners, local authorities and statutory bodies.

Gate 2 is a key stage in the grid‑connection reform process. NESO assesses every project to decide whether it should progress in the national queue and receive a confirmed connection date.
To pass Gate 2, a project must show:

• Readiness – evidence such as land agreements and submission of a planning application.
• Strategic alignment – demonstrating that the project helps meet the UK’s national energy needs (e.g., supporting Clean Power 2030 and grid operators strategy).
• Protections – certain qualifying criteria, such as planning timelines or existing approvals, can also support a project’s Gate 2 status.

Projects that pass Gate 2 receive:

• A confirmed grid connection point
• A connection date (within designated phases)
• A stable position in the national queue

Calderdale Energy Park has been awarded a Gate 2 – Phase 2 priority slot, meaning:

• The project passed national readiness checks and meets NESO’s strategic requirements.

• It now holds a secure and prioritised position in the reformed connection queue.

• The project is scheduled for a firm grid connection date by 2031

The current layout includes up to 34 turbines. Earlier design iterations considered 65 and then 41 turbines, but ongoing environmental assessments and technical refinements have reduced this to 34. Each turbine would be up to 200 m to tip height and is assumed to have a generating capacity of around 7 MW.
 
Since the close of the non‑statutory consultation, we have continued refining the proposals for Calderdale Energy Park. In response to feedback and further technical work, the following changes have been made (all turbine numbers in the table below refer to the 2025 design and not the turbine locations shown in the 2026 design):
 
Detailed information is available in the statutory consultation brochure.

First, turbines had to avoid major environmental sensitivities. This included areas of deep peat and intact blanket bog identified through updated NVC surveys and Phase 2 peat probing, as well as Priority Habitats, hydrologically sensitive features such as watercourses and peatland drainage patterns, and key ornithological constraints.

Second, the layout needed to respond to landscape and visual considerations. Turbines were included only where they avoided unacceptable effects on culturally significant viewpoints such as Top Withens, and addressed concerns raised through non‑statutory community consultation on visual impact, proximity and heritage settings.

Technical safeguarding constraints were also essential. Turbine locations were screened to ensure that they did not interfere with aviation and radar systems, including the Pole Hill (NATS radar) and Hameldon Hill (Met Office radar) radar installations, and did not conflict with established aviation safeguarding zones identified through engagement with statutory bodies.

In addition, turbines were only included where ground conditions, constructability, access potential, and micro‑siting flexibility were favourable, ensuring the development could form an efficient, coherent and workable site layout. Appropriate separation from the Pennine Way and other key recreational receptors was also required to minimise impacts on public access and recreational experience

Together, these criteria ensured that the 34‑turbine layout represents an optimised balance between the renewable energy generation objectives of the scheme and the need to minimise environmental effects, technical risks, and impacts on landscape, heritage, and local communities.

Wind speeds are higher and more consistent at greater heights. Using fewer, taller turbines reduces ground disturbance, limits the number of foundations and access tracks required, and increases the overall efficiency of the project. This is reflected in industry‑wide best practice and seen across modern onshore wind projects in Europe and worldwide.

We are carefully designing Calderdale Energy Park to limit its impact on the environment and protect the sensitive landscape of Walshaw Moor. This includes avoiding the most sensitive habitats wherever possible and adjusting the layout of the project to reduce impacts on peatland, wildlife, watercourses and nearby communities. Detailed environmental surveys are informing every stage of the design so that we can identify risks early and put the right safeguards in place.

Where impacts cannot be completely avoided, we will introduce measures to reduce or mitigate effects – for example, by restoring areas of peat, managing habitats to support local species, and using construction methods that limit disturbance. We are also working closely with environmental organisations, statutory bodies and others to make sure our approach is robust and responsible.

All of this work is set out in detail in the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) which is available to view here. This detailed information gives the community a clear picture of the assessments we’ve carried out and the steps we are taking to protect the environment.

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. This ensures that the worst-case scenario is assessed so that the impacts of any consented DCO 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.

As part of our statutory consultation, we have produced our Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR), this details all the environmental work we have done to date and the findings of our surveys and preliminary assessment work. This can now be viewed here.

For Calderdale Energy Park, the EIA process includes:

1. EIA Scoping: Identifying topic areas, receptors and impacts that would be included in the EIA and providing justification for scoping out topic areas, receptors and impacts that would not result in likely significant effects.

2. Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR): The PEIR is a way of providing preliminary environmental information undertaken to date, published for statutory consultation to allow consultees to develop an informed view of the project’s potential environmental effects.

3. Environmental Statement: Detailing the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Calderdale Energy Park and identifying relevant mitigation requirements. The Environmental Statement is submitted with the application for DCO.

4. Decision Making: The Examining Authority reviews and tests the DCO application which includes the Environmental Statement and makes a recommendation. The Secretary of State decides whether to grant approval.

5. Post-Decision: Discharging requirements, works associated with compensation, pre-construction and construction works and monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental commitments, typically secured through requirements in the DCO.

No – the changes to the proposals since scoping do not mean we need to redo the scoping process.

Under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime, it is entirely expected that a project will continue to evolve after scoping. The Planning Inspectorate’s guidance confirms that scoping is a snapshot in time and is used to identify the topics and environmental issues that should be assessed. Projects can then continue to refine their design, reduce anticipated impacts, and improve layout without needing a new scoping opinion each time changes are made.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations require the Environmental Statement (ES) to describe the reasonable alternatives considered and to fully assess the likely significant effects of the project as it actually stands at application stage – not as it stood at scoping stage. That means the PEIR and ES will report on the updated design, the latest survey results and any refinements made since scoping.

In other words, the scoping opinion sets the framework, and the PEIR and ES will show how the project has evolved within that framework. If further engagement shows that any additional topics need assessment, these can be included in the PEIR and ES without re‑scoping.

This approach is standard across NSIPs which are refined throughout the pre-application process: scoping happens once, and updates are captured through the environmental assessment process rather than by repeating the scoping process.

As part of the EIA process, we must publish a Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR). This report sets out the likely significant environmental effects of Calderdale Energy Park based on the early surveys and preliminary assessments completed so far. It also outlines the measures we propose to avoid, reduce or manage potential impacts.

Because this is preliminary information, some surveys and assessments are still underway. The PEIR is not the final environmental assessment. Instead, it is used to support early discussions with statutory stakeholders and local communities so that any environmental issues are identified early on. This helps ensure the final design responds to those issues, takes account of feedback received, and incorporates appropriate mitigation.

Chapter 1: Introduction (including glossary)

Chapter 2: Environmental Impact Assessment

Chapter 3: Description of the PEIR Boundary and Surrounding Area

Chapter 4: The Proposed Development

Chapter 5: Alternatives and Design Evolution

Chapter 6: Legislative and Planning Policy Context

Chapter 7: Methodology for the Preliminary Environmental Information Report

Chapter 8: Biodiversity

Chapter 9: Ornithology

Chapter 10: Hydrology and Hydrogeology, Peat and Soils

Chapter 11: Carbon and Climate Change

Chapter 12: Landscape and Visual

Chapter 13: Historic Environment

Chapter 14: Transport and Access

Chapter 15: Noise and Vibration

Chapter 16: Air Quality

Chapter 17: Socio-economics and Tourism

Chapter 18: Human Health

Chapter 19: Aviation and Radar

Chapter 20: Major Accidents and Disasters

Chapter 21: Shadow Flicker

Chapter 22: Materials and Waste

Chapter 23: Other Matters (Land Contamination and Agricultural Land Classification)

Chapter 24: Cumulative Effects  

Chapter 25: Summary

The PEIR is available to view and download here during the statutory consultation. A hard copy of the PEIR will be available to view at in-person consultation events. Copies of the PEIR contained on a USB stick can be provided on request free of charge.

Extensive peat probing, hydrological studies and ground investigations have shaped the layout from the earliest stages. These surveys helped pinpoint where peat is deepest, most sensitive, or located on unstable ground. In response, the design has been refined so that:

• Infrastructure is moved away from deeper peat wherever possible.
• Track routes follow shallower peat corridors and naturally stable ridgelines.
• Floating tracks are proposed in suitable areas to avoid cutting into peat.

Turbine locations also respond to natural drainage and watercourse buffers, helping maintain hydrology and reduce erosion risk. Areas with higher susceptibility to peat instability have been designed around so that sensitive ground is avoided. This ensures the design directly reflects local ground conditions rather than applying a single approach across the whole site.

As further detailed surveys and design refinement take place ahead of the Environmental Statement, we will continue to:

• Improve the accuracy of peat depth mapping.
• Identify additional opportunities to avoid areas of deep or sensitive peat.
• Refine track and turbine locations to reduce earthworks.
• Apply updated stability, hydrological and geological assessments to inform construction methods.

This ensures that each design step looks to reduce environmental impact, reflects the best available evidence, and is aligned with good practice for developments in peatland landscapes.

At this stage in the process it is anticipated that around 560,000m³ of peat may be disturbed during construction. Modelling shows a balanced peat mass, meaning all excavated peat can be reused on site. Temporary works areas will be reinstated, while borrow pits and compounds will be restored with up to 2 metres of peat to support long term recovery.

Construction will follow strict good practice measures. Surface turves and deeper peat layers will be kept separate and replaced in the correct order. Peat will be kept wet during storage and held in small, short-term mounds to prevent drying. A long-term monitoring programme will track moisture levels, vegetation recovery and slope stability for at least five years after construction, ensuring restoration continues to improve over time.

The design for Calderdale Energy Park focuses on keeping water levels stable and maintaining the natural flow of water across the moor. This includes planning drainage in ways that improve water retention within peat systems, avoiding disruption to natural drainage channels, and reducing ground disturbance wherever possible. In places where traditional earth cut tracks would risk altering water movement, floating or low impact tracks are proposed. Detailed hydrological modelling has informed all decisions, ensuring the design responds to the sensitivities of upland peatland ecosystems.

The Site includes an extensive network of watercourses, flushes and wetland features. These will be safeguarded by keeping infrastructure out of sensitive buffer zones and by managing runoff carefully during construction and operation. Pollution prevention measures, such as silt management and controlled washout areas, will help maintain water quality.

Groundwater movement within peat is typically shallow and slow, but underlying sandstone and mudstone layers can influence how water drains and recharges in specific locations. To support assessment of adverse effects, targeted hydrogeological surveys are being carried out to establish baseline conditions. Construction methods are being chosen to ensure excavations, borrow pits and turbine foundations do not interrupt groundwater pathways or cause contamination. The goal is to maintain the natural infiltration and drainage patterns that support both peatlands and downstream environments and avoid adverse effects on groundwater occurring.

As more survey data, modelling results and stakeholder feedback are collected ahead of the Environmental Statement, the design will continue to be refined. This includes further hydrological and hydrogeological mapping, identifying opportunities to further reduce impacts on water environments, and adjusting infrastructure locations where new evidence suggests a benefit. The aim is to achieve a design that reflects the most up‑to‑date understanding of the moor’s hydrology and follows good practice for development in sensitive upland peat landscapes.

Efficient and safe transport logistics are essential for the successful delivery of Calderdale Energy Park. We are committed to minimising disruption to local communities and protecting the surrounding infrastructure throughout the construction process.

Further transport assessment work will be carried out as part of the EIA to identify the most suitable routes for delivering abnormal components and other materials to the site. This will include evaluating road conditions, identifying necessary safety upgrades, and ensuring the safe transportation of construction traffic and abnormal loads, such as the transformers, the turbine blades and tower sections, on public highways.

We will work closely with local authorities, residents, and transport specialists to ensure the transport strategy is efficient, minimises disruption, and prioritises public safety.

Access to the site is currently expected to be taken from two directions:

• From the west (via the A6068): This route would be used by Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), delivery vehicles, general construction traffic, construction workforce, and Abnormal Indivisible Load (AIL) traffic associated with delivering turbine components.

• From the east (via the A6033): This access would accommodate HGVs, general construction traffic, and construction staff.

During the non‑statutory consultation, we presented two potential AIL transport routes: a western and an eastern option.

Following further technical and environmental assessments, the western route is now the proposed (Abnormal Indivisible Load) AIL route, as it avoids or minimises impacts on key environmental and heritage features. A secondary option via a private road via Lancashire Moor Road is also being considered to address potential pinch points identified through swept‑path analysis. Both options remain subject to engagement with landowners and the relevant highway authority.

While the western route is now preferred for AIL movements, both western and eastern access routes remain preliminary and continue to be refined through ongoing technical work and stakeholder discussions.

The western corridor provides the most suitable and safest route for moving large turbine components and heavy machinery onto the moor without sending them through constrained villages or narrow rural roads. An offline access connection from the A6068 to Lancashire Moor Road has been refined since Scoping to avoid sensitive features such as vaccary walls and the Atom panopticon car park. Access junctions will be built to Lancashire County Council standards, and private access tracks will help larger vehicles avoid tight sections of the public highway. This route has been designed sensitively to reduce effects on the Trawden Forest Conservation Area and other local heritage features.

The eastern route will accommodate day‑to‑day construction workforce travel, lighter vehicles and the grid connection works. It includes an offline link between the A6033 and High House Edge Lane located next to the underground cable corridor. From there, vehicles would use the existing highway down to Halifax. The route keeps disturbance to a minimum by relying on existing roads wherever possible, though some localised improvements, particularly between High House Edge Lane and Cold Edge Lane near Ovenden Wind Farm, may be required. These potential upgrades are still under review and will be discussed with the highway authority.

The access strategy has been developed specifically to avoid unsuitable village roads, sensitive heritage areas and constrained junctions. By using offline sections where necessary, designing safe access points and carefully planning the routing of larger vehicles, the project aims to keep traffic flowing safely without unnecessary impacts on local communities. Further refinements will continue through the design process in consultation with local highway authorities.

There may be temporary changes to access or short‑term diversions around active construction areas, but the overall aim is to maintain community access to the moor as far as is safe and practicable. Any restrictions will be clearly communicated in advance, and reinstatement will follow as soon as possible once temporary construction works are complete.

The detailed operational access strategy will be confirmed later in the planning process, but the heaviest construction‑related traffic, such as turbine component deliveries, will only occur during the construction period. Once the project is operational, traffic movements will reduce significantly, limited mainly to maintenance activities.

During the peak month of construction, there would be up to 114 HGV movements per day, along with up to 86 car and light goods vehicle movements. These movements would be spread across the working day, so this would result in an average of around five additional inbound HGV movements per hour on the local road network during peak construction activity.

To understand existing noise conditions specialist consultants carried out detailed background noise monitoring at locations around the moorland between March and May 2025. These surveys recorded natural sounds such as wind in vegetation, birdsong, running water, and distant road traffic. These measurements form the basis for assessing future noise.

To understand potential noise impacts of Calderdale Energy Park we then modelled noise from a number of activities, with the noise monitoring forming the baseline conditions for our assessment. We modelled noise from:

• Cable installation along the Bradford West Cable Corridor

• Construction activities

• Turbine operation

• Decommissioning activities

• Use of the Eastern and Western Access Routes

During construction, activities such as foundation works, track building, and cable installation will produce some temporary noise. However, noise generating activities will be kept as far as practical from homes and work will mostly take place during standard daytime working hours.

Construction activities on Calderdale Energy Park will be subject to a Construction

Environmental Management Plan, using measures such as:

• Well maintained, quieter plant and machinery
• Temporary acoustic barriers where needed
• Locating generators and pumps away from properties
• Minimising drop heights when moving materials
• Switching off engines when not in use

Construction vibration is also expected to be very low, as no high‑vibration techniques (such as piling or blasting) are planned near homes. The preliminary assessment concludes that, with these measures in place, no significant construction noise or vibration effects are expected.

Once operational, the main source of noise will be the wind turbines themselves. All

turbines must meet strict national noise limits to protect the amenity of nearby residents. The design of Calderdale Energy Park has been refined to ensure adequate separation between turbines and residential properties, and the results of our noise assessment shows that:

• Turbine noise will remain well within national limits during both daytime and night time periods.

• Low frequency noise, infrasound, and amplitude modulation are not expected to result in significant effects.

• A limited number of turbines will use “turbine mode management” to ensure the wind farm stays within agreed Site Specific Noise Limits, helping keep noise levels low for nearby communities.

As a result, no significant noise effects are predicted during the operational phase of Calderdale Energy Park.

We recognise that there will be some noise created during the construction phases along the cable route. Cable installation is carried out using standard trenching techniques within existing road corridors wherever possible. To minimise disruption:

• Only small teams and light machinery are required for cable installation.

• Most works will take place within the existing highway boundary, limiting proximity to homes.

We have carried out a preliminary assessment looking at how construction, operation and eventual decommissioning could affect local air quality. This includes reviewing existing conditions, construction dust, emissions from machinery and vehicles, traffic on both access routes, and potential impacts on sensitive ecological sites.

Our preliminary assessment indicates that no significant effects on human health are expected, whether during construction, the operational life of the turbines, or at decommissioning.

Potential impacts on sensitive ecological sites, particularly within the South Pennine Moors SAC/SPA/SSSI, are being assessed cautiously. More detailed modelling is being completed for the Environmental Statement.

Our preliminary assessment covered a broad range of potential emissions sources and receptors, including:

• Baseline air quality around the moorland and access routes
• Dust generated by construction activities
• Emissions from construction vehicles and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM)
• Road traffic emissions associated with both eastern and western access routes
• Sensitivity of nearby designated ecological sites
• How background air quality may change by 2029 when construction is expected to start

This helps us to have an understanding of how the project interacts with people, wildlife, and the wider environment. Further detailed work will be completed as part of the Environmental Statement.

We will manage construction dust and emissions through a robust Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). This will include measures such as:

• Using water suppression during dry or windy periods to control dust
• Covering or carefully managing material stockpiles
• Using modern, low-emission machinery
• Ensuring engines are turned off when not in use
• Installing wheel-washing facilities and using surfaced access routes
• Positioning equipment away from homes, footpaths and high-use public areas wherever possible

With these controls in place, the preliminary assessment concludes that no significant air quality effects are expected during construction.

During the peak months of construction there will be an increase in both HGVs and light vehicles, but several factors reduce the potential impact:

• Traffic will be split across two access routes, reducing concentrations along any one corridor
• The overall number of vehicles is not expected to meaningfully affect roadside pollutant levels
• Current pollutant levels along these routes are already well within national air quality limits.

Additional detailed traffic and emissions modelling will support the Environmental Statement, but early findings indicate no significant health effects are expected.

Portions of the project are located within or adjacent to the South Pennine Moors SAC/SPA/SSSI, which are highly sensitive to nitrogen deposition and dust. To protect these internationally and nationally important habitats, we are:

• Screening emissions against Natural England’s recommended thresholds
• Assessing both nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and ammonia in line with national guidance
• Evaluating dust risk for habitats located within 50 metres of construction activity
• Using modern plant and minimising vehicle movements close to sensitive habitats

Further ecological and air quality modelling is underway to confirm that no significant effects are expected, or that targeted mitigation can be applied where needed.

Operational impacts are expected to be extremely limited because:

• Wind turbines produce no direct emissions
• Only occasional maintenance visits occur
• There is no combustion equipment

As a result, operational air quality effects are considered negligible.

Decommissioning is expected to be similar in scale to construction, with temporary dust and emissions from machinery and vehicle movements. These will be controlled through the same good practice measures applied during construction. No significant long-term effects on air quality are anticipated.

Walshaw Moor and the wider South Pennine Moors support a rich mix of resident and migratory bird species, many protected through national and international legislation. The moorland provides feeding, breeding and roosting habitats,

A number of measures are being developed to avoid or reduce impacts:

• A restoration and peatland recovery programme to offset construction impacts and improve long‑term habitat quality
• Ongoing refinement of dust, hydrology, nitrogen and pollution modelling to understand how habitats could be affected
• Seasonal working controls where necessary to protect breeding birds
• Noise and disturbance modelling to determine how many breeding pairs might be affected and what buffers, timing restrictions or working practices best reduce disruption

We will be continuing this work across 2026 and presenting more detailed information, including proposed mitigation measures, in the Environmental Statement.

Some species naturally avoid tall structures, and we are refining our modelling to understand:

• How different species may move around the Turbine Area
• Which species may alter their behaviour in response to turbine presence
• Whether any behavioural changes could affect breeding success or foraging patterns

This modelling will incorporate final turbine specifications once confirmed, ensuring an accurate understanding of how birds may interact with the layout.

Detailed collision risk modelling is being undertaken, which will be updated when turbine parameters (such as height, blade length and rotation speed) are finalised.

This ensures that the collision risk assessment is as robust and precise as possible and reflects the final design. The assessment will be submitted as part of the Environmental Statement.

Our preliminary assessment follows Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidance and draws on national aviation data, specialist radar modelling and input from organisations responsible for flight procedures. We have engaged early with Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Blackpool Airports, NATS/NERL, the Ministry of Defence and the Met Office to understand their infrastructure, requirements and any potential sensitivities. By reviewing the Site in the wider airspace context, including civil airspace boundaries and military low‑flying corridors, we have been able to identify issues early and incorporate mitigation into the project design.

The Site sits beneath controlled airspace for major airports, in largely uncontrolled airspace below 3,500 feet. It also lies within a military low‑flying zone and within areas safeguarded for airport flight procedures and radar operations. This means that turbines must be designed and positioned in a way that maintains aviation safety across all these interests.

Initial results indicate that the wind farm can be safely integrated into the local and regional airspace system. No significant effects are expected for flight procedures at Manchester or Blackpool Airports, with formal confirmation pending. Some interaction with Leeds Bradford Airport and BAE Warton’s procedures is possible but based on current evidence any required changes would be minor adjustments to published altitudes, developed and agreed through the CAA.

Flight safety considerations, including concerns related to Leeds Bradford Airport’s surveillance radar and Instrument Flight Procedures, will be addressed through collaboration with relevant aviation authorities and regulatory bodies. Detailed assessments of airspace usage, radar interference, and aviation navigation systems will be conducted to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. Consultation with airport authorities and aviation stakeholders will inform the development of mitigation measures to address any identified risks to flight safety.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that military low flying in the area can continue safely, provided turbine aviation lighting is installed and final turbine locations are shared before construction. This ensures pilots are aware of turbine positions and that operations remain safe.

Wind turbines can create unwanted interference on primary radar systems. The project is detectable to several systems operated by airports, NATS/NERL, BAE Systems and the Met Office. Work is underway with all relevant radar operators to identify and agree appropriate technical solutions. Any mitigation will meet relevant aviation safety requirements.

Yes. As the assessment work has progressed, several design refinements have been made specifically to avoid or reduce effects on aviation infrastructure. This includes removing turbines that could have interfered with the Pole Hill navigation beacon, as well as ongoing refinement of turbine positions in response to feedback from radar operators and airports.

In addition to these changes, Turbines 1–5 have now been removed from the project design. This decision was made to address aviation safeguarding requirements and also brings wider benefits by reducing potential landscape, visual and noise-related effects in the Widdop Lodge area. These refinements ensure the project remains compatible with aviation safety while also improving environmental outcomes for nearby receptors.

In line with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements, wind turbines that are 150 metres or more above ground level are normally required to be fitted with visible aviation lighting to assist aircraft detection at night. As the turbines in the Project exceed this height, aviation lighting will be required.

While the standard approach would be for all turbines to display medium intensity, steady red aviation lights, the Applicant is seeking to agree a reduced aviation lighting scheme with the CAA. This would involve lights being installed only on an agreed number of turbines and at agreed locations, rather than across the entire site, while still meeting aviation safety requirements. More detail is available on the PEIR, Chapter 19: Aviation and Radar.

The South Pennines are a highly valued upland landscape and understanding how the project fits within this setting has been central to the design process. From the outset, landscape and visual specialists have carried out extensive fieldwork, consulted key stakeholders, and continually refined the design to ensure the turbines sit as sensitively as possible within their surroundings.

The evolving layout responds to landform, character, visibility and the relationship of the site to nearby valleys and elevated viewpoints. You can view a flythrough of the site here.

The design has been carefully arranged so that the landform itself helps screen views of turbines from surrounding valleys. Sensitive moorland edges, steep slopes and skylines that are visually important have been avoided where possible. As the design has matured, turbines have also been set back from key vantage points overlooking the Yorkshire Dales, Forest of Bowland and Peak District to reduce how prominent they appear on distant horizons. Temporary construction compounds have been placed where natural screening exists to limit visibility during construction.

Wherever practical, access tracks follow existing routes to avoid creating unnecessary new lines across the moorland. This helps reduce earthworks, avoids steep cuttings and limits impacts on valley sides. The Bradford West Cable Corridor has been aligned to avoid gullies, woodland and historic features, and trenchless construction methods will be used where direct excavation would otherwise cause significant disturbance. These choices reduce both temporary and long‑term change to the moorland landscape.

A combination of design and finish will help reduce the visual presence of the turbines. They will use a light, neutral matt colour that reduces glare and allows them to blend more effectively with the sky in different weather conditions.

Aviation lighting will be required in line with Civil Aviation Authority requirements due to the height of the turbines. However, the Applicant is seeking to agree a reduced aviation lighting scheme so that lighting is installed only on the minimum number of turbines necessary and at agreed locations. This approach maintains aviation safety while limiting the overall visual effect of lighting at night.

The overall layout has been kept orderly and consistent to avoid visual clutter.

Once construction is complete, the moorland will be restored around tracks, crane pads and working areas using local seed mixes and vegetation that reflect the surrounding landscape. Traditional features such as stone walls, drainage grips and natural landforms will be reinstated.

In lower‑lying areas, native planting will be used where appropriate, while avoiding non‑native woodland that would not belong in the open moorland setting. These interventions help blend the infrastructure into its surroundings over the long term.

Construction activities will be managed to limit their visual footprint. Compounds will be sited away from exposed viewpoints, and reinstatement will take place progressively where practicable. Lighting will be tightly controlled to avoid unnecessary night‑time effects, particularly in darker upland areas where artificial light would otherwise stand out.

A Landscape & Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) will set out how vegetation, moorland habitat and restored areas are to be maintained throughout the life of the project. This includes ongoing peatland recovery, careful management of moorland vegetation and regular monitoring to ensure the landscape continues to improve over time. An outline LEMP will be prepared alongside the ES which will be submitted as part of the DCO application.

Alongside this, a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) will provide more detailed proposals for enhancing and monitoring habitats, helping to track how restoration and management measures are working in practice. Together, these plans aim to improve moorland condition and support wider ecological resilience, leaving a lasting environmental benefit long after construction has finished. The aim is to enhance moorland condition and support ecological resilience long after construction has finished.

Although the Site sits outside all nationally designated landscapes, the turbines will still be visible from certain designated areas, including views from National Parks, National Landscapes (AONBs) and Special Landscape Areas. The design has been shaped to avoid the most sensitive skyline relationships and reduce how prominent the turbines appear from these locations. The Environmental Statement will assess these views in detail to provide a clear picture of how visibility varies across different distances and landscapes.

Some changes to views are unavoidable because the turbines introduce a new feature into the upland setting. Certain nearby settlements, public rights of way and a small number of closer properties will experience noticeable change, particularly where open, elevated views exist.

These effects will be assessed in the Environmental Statement, which will show how the turbines appear in the landscape and how the design has sought to reduce effects where possible.

Our preliminary assessment and survey work has looked at both known and potential archaeological remains within the Turbine Area and along the proposed access routes and cable corridor. It also includes listed buildings, conservation areas, historic farmsteads, boundary stones, industrial features and monuments within the study area. This wide scope ensures that the project considers not only physical remains within the site boundary but also how the development might influence the wider historic landscape through changes to views, setting, noise or movement.

Within and around the site there are several historic settlements including:

• Grade II listed laithe houses such as Holme Ends Farmhouse

• Boundary stones, 18^th-19^th century farmsteads, and ruins

• Heritage settlements including:
  • Wycoller Conservation Area
  • Haworth, Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall Conservation Areas
  • Stoodley Pike Monument
  • Top Withens

Some temporary effects, such as noise, lighting or vehicle movements may be perceptible from certain heritage assets. However, these impacts are short‑term, localised and occur at distances where the significance of the assets will not be harmed. Their key qualities, whether architectural, historic or cultural, remain intact, and the temporary activities do not alter what makes the assets important.

Some turbines will be visible from parts of the surrounding upland landscape, including views from Wycoller, Haworth’s northern edge, parts of Hebden Water, Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike. These views are typically at distances between 4 and 8 km, and many of the assets sit in valleys or sheltered terrain that naturally limit views. The preliminary assessment concludes that while some small changes to setting may occur, these effects are minor and not significant, and they do not undermine the intrinsic heritage value of the assets.

The layout of Calderdale Energy Park has been shaped to avoid known heritage features wherever possible, including listed buildings at Holme End and heritage assets around Wycoller. Cable routes will be undergrounded and, where feasible, aligned with existing roads to reduce ground disturbance and avoid introducing permanent industrial features above ground. Areas with known archaeological sensitivity have been excluded from turbine placement and heavy infrastructure.

A comprehensive programme of pre‑construction heritage investigations will be carried out post consent if granted. This includes walkover surveys to confirm the location and condition of known assets, geophysical surveys to identify buried features, and targeted trial trenching where potential remains are suspected. Geoarchaeological and environmental sampling, including peat coring, will help recover evidence of past environments. Detailed recording of farmsteads, vaccary walls, boundary stones and other historic features will be undertaken where any disturbance is unavoidable.

A Cultural Heritage Management Strategy will guide construction activities. This includes a Chance Finds Procedure, meaning any unexpected archaeological material discovered during works will trigger an immediate pause while specialists assess and record it. Preservation in situ is the preferred approach; if that is not possible, preservation by record, such as excavation, surveying and analysis will ensure no important information is lost.

During operation, no new excavation is expected, which significantly reduces risks to buried archaeology. Monitoring may take place where necessary to ensure that turbine foundations, tracks or drainage do not negatively affect peat deposits that help preserve archaeological remains. Any cable maintenance will reuse existing trenches, avoiding additional disturbance. Similar protective procedures will be applied during decommissioning as required to ensure the same level of care is maintained throughout the project’s lifecycle.

With the careful design of the project, combined with the detailed programme of investigation and the management and mitigation measures in place, the preliminary assessment concludes that no significant effects on the significance of heritage assets are expected. Important archaeological and historic features will be identified, protected and, where necessary, professionally recorded, ensuring the heritage of the South Pennines is safeguarded alongside the development of Calderdale Energy Park.

Understanding how Calderdale Energy Park may influence local people’s health and wellbeing is a core part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. The preliminary Human Health Assessment examines how the project could affect communities during construction, operation and decommissioning, taking into account not only environmental factors like noise, access and landscape change, but also broader determinants of health such as employment, income, and access to services.

 Typically, all above ground elements of the wind farm must be removed including the turbines and substation. In the case of service tracks this depends on the size and geography of the wind farm. Concrete bases may be left in place and covered with peat, stone or other indigenous material, and the site returned as closely as practicable to its original state.

In terms of this project, the lifetime of the project is to be 35 years, after this Calderdale Energy Park will be decommissioned. An outline Decomissioning Environmental Management Plan will be submitted with the DCO application.

Yes. An outline Decommissioning Environmental Management Plan will be submitted as part of the DCO application. This document will set out how each stage of the decommissioning process will be carried out, the environmental protections that will be in place, and how the project will work with landowners, stakeholders and regulators to ensure responsible restoration.

All turbines and the majority of the associated infrastructure will be dismantled and removed from the site. The same access routes used during construction will be used again to safely transport components off-site, keeping disruption to a minimum. Removing visible structures will eliminate long-term visual effects, and any short-term disturbance during decommissioning will be managed using the same environmental protections applied during construction.

Wherever possible, components such as metals and other recoverable materials will be recycled at certified recycling centres. This reduces waste, supports the circular economy and ensures valuable resources are reused rather than sent to landfill.

Once decommissioning is complete, the land will be reinstated. This includes restoring soils, re‑establishing vegetation and blending disturbed areas back into the upland landscape. Tracks or hardstanding that do not need to be removed may be softened or covered with soil and grass to reduce unnecessary ground disturbance.

The overall aim is to return the land to a condition that reflects its original character or to alternative uses agreed with landowners and local authorities.

No. Decommissioning is designed to be temporary and controlled, with protections in place to minimise any disturbance. By removing turbines and reinstating the land, long-term visual and environmental impacts are avoided. The site will be restored in a way that maintains or enhances its ecological and landscape character.

In cases where removing buried infrastructure would cause more environmental harm than leaving it in place, it will be decommissioned in situ. Any remaining structures will be safe, stable and aligned with good practice guidance.

The process will follow an outline Decommissioning Environmental Management Plan, agreed through the DCO process, and will be developed in collaboration with stakeholders. This ensures decommissioning is undertaken safely, environmentally responsibly and in accordance with good practice.

Calderdale Energy Park will bring substantial economic and employment benefits to Calderdale and the wider region. Key benefits include:

Investment in Calderdale: Generating more than £33 million Gross Value Added (GVA) for the Calderdale economy across the lifetime of the project. This is a major financial boost, supporting economic growth and job creation for local communities across Calderdale, Bradford and Pendle.

Job Creation: Calderdale Energy Park will generate employment opportunities during construction and long-term operation, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure. During the development and construction phase, Calderdale Energy Park will generate around 198 job years of employment. Once operational, the project would support 10 local Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs.

Workforce Development: Partnerships with local education providers will help equip people with the skills needed for careers in clean energy.

Community Benefit Fund: A dedicated fund will be established worth £5,000 per MW, index linked for the lifetime of the project. Based on the current project design, this fund would be worth £1.2m per year or £42m over a 35-year operational life. This fund would be managed by a local organisation(s) to deliver wide-ranging and long-lasting benefits for the area.

Local Business Opportunities: We are committed to working with regional suppliers and contractors to maximise economic benefits. Our analysis suggests that businesses in Calderdale could secure contracts worth £57.7m.

Environmental Impact: Calderdale Energy Park will contribute to the UK’s Net Zero targets by generating clean energy and reducing carbon emissions associated with energy generation.

A community benefit fund consists of voluntary payments, unrelated to the planning determination, made by developers of energy infrastructure, such as wind farms or electricity lines, to benefit local communities potentially affected by the development.

The Government is seeking to publish updated guidance on voluntary community payments for onshore wind in England. Any package for Calderdale Energy Park will follow the guidance available at the time.

This fund would be shaped in partnership with local communities, focused on their priorities, and managed by local groups or organisations, ensuring the benefits remain rooted in the area.

Importantly, these voluntary contributions will continue for the full lifetime of the project, regardless of any potential future change in ownership.

As part of the statutory consultation, we are seeking feedback on our proposals for a community benefit fund, we would like feedback from the community on how they would like to see the fund spent.

Given its scale the project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and will proceed though the Development Consent Order (DCO) process under the Planning Act 2008. This means that, following consultation and assessment, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero will make the final decision on whether to grant consent for the project.

The DCO process is the process of obtaining a consent for a development categorised as an NSIP. The DCO process provides a dedicated framework specifically designed to address the complexities associated with large, complex infrastructure projects. It is a comprehensive and structured planning procedure, ensuring that all aspects of the project are meticulously scrutinised

If consent is granted, the resulting DCO is a legislative instrument providing consent and related approvals for the proposed development.

Further information about the DCO process can be found at: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/application-process/the-process.

Although local councils do not determine the DCO application, given the project’s classification as a NSIP, CWFL are committed to engaging and working closely with the local councils throughout the consenting process.

To inform the DCO application CWFL must consult with all host and neighbouring authorities associated with the project. In addition to Calderdale Council, the other local authorities through which the proposed access routes and cable corridor travel are also ‘host authorities’ for the project.

As part of the statutory consultation, we have produced a Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC). The SoCC explains how we will consult with the local community during statutory consultation. We consulted on the development of the SoCC with the following local authorities:

•           Calderdale Council

•           Bradford City Council

•           Lancashire County Council

•           Pendle Borough Council

During the non-statutory consultation in 2025 Burnley Borough Council were considered a host authority for Calderdale Energy Park, however changes to the proposed site boundary means they are no longer a host authority. Burnley Borough Council will still be consulted as a neighbouring local authority under the Planning Act 2008.

There was an effective moratorium on the development of onshore wind in England from 2015 to 2024 due to policy set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

However, in September 2023, the UK Government relaxed the existing moratorium for onshore wind through amendment to the relevant NPPF policy test. Following the 2024 General Election, the Labour Government removed the de facto ban on onshore wind in England through the introduction of the Onshore Wind Policy Statement, which disapplied the NPPF policy and committing to doubling Britain’s current onshore wind capacity by 2030. In December 2025, onshore wind projects over 100MW were include within the Planning Act 2008 consenting regime and policy support for onshore wind projects can be found in the National Policy Statements for Energy.

We are still at the pre-application stage of preparing a DCO application. We are undertaking statutory consultation during April, May and June 2026 to share updated information about Calderdale Energy Park and seek input from statutory consultees and local communities into the revised design for the project. This feedback will be used to help refine the design further before a DCO application is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

The DCO application is scheduled for submission in November 2026.

April – June 2026; Statutory Consultation: After considering feedback received during the non-statutory consultation and completing further technical assessments and preparing the PEIR, we are presenting our updated proposals to the local community and statutory consultees through a period of statutory consultation.

November 2026; Application Submission: Following the statutory consultation and careful review of feedback, we will finalise our proposals and submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application.

December 2026; Acceptance: The acceptance stage begins when an application is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, who then has 28 days to determine if it meets the required standards for acceptance.

Construction: If development consent is granted, we plan to begin construction of Calderdale Energy Park as soon as practicable following approval

Winter 2026/27 Pre-examination: Once our application is accepted, any person or authority can register as an Interested Party and submit written representations to the Planning Inspectorate. An independent panel, known as the Examining Authority, will be appointed to conduct the Examination. All Interested Parties will be invited to a Preliminary Meeting.

Spring/Summer 2027 Examination: The Examining Authority will examine the application, and all representations received from Interested Parties. Hearings will be held where members of the public are welcome to attend.

Autumn 2027 Recommendation: Following the Examination, the Examining Authority will prepare a report, including a recommendation, to be submitted to the Secretary of State.

Spring 2028 Decision: The Secretary of State will make a decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent for the Proposed Development

Following the non-statutory consultation period, all feedback was collected and analysed. A report summarising the activities we undertook during the non-statutory consultation, the feedback we received and how we have responded to it, was published at the start of the statutory consultation and is available on the project website.

The comments received during the non-statutory consultation has been used alongside ongoing environmental and technical assessments to shape the updated proposals for Calderdale Energy Park presented as part of the statutory consultation.

As Calderdale Energy Park will be seeking consent through the DCO process, as part of this process we are required to undertake statutory consultation. The Planning Act 2008 includes the requirement for statutory consultation prior to application submission, and outlines requirements such as publicity and the statutory parties to be consulted.

As host authorities, Calderdale Council, Bradford Council, Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Council will be key statutory consultees for the application and will play an important role in informing aspects of the project. CWFL is committed to working closely with the Calderdale Council alongside other host and local authorities, along with local Parish Councils and statutory consultees such as the Environment Agency. As part of this commitment, we will exhibit a proactive approach to taking onboard feedback and incorporating comments.

Under Section 47 of the Planning Act 2008, the Applicant has a statutory duty to prepare a Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC), setting out how it intends to consult the local community on the proposed development. The legislation requires the Applicant to share the draft SoCC only with the host local authorities and to allow them 28 days to provide feedback. In this instance, the relevant host authorities are Calderdale Council, Bradford Council, Lancashire County Council and Pendle Borough Council.

These authorities are the only bodies with a statutory role in reviewing and commenting on the draft SoCC. Town and Parish Councils do not hold statutory consultee status under Section 47 and therefore are not part of the formal SoCC consultation process.

Similarly, there is no requirement in the Planning Act or associated guidance to publish the draft SoCC on the project website. Publication occurs at the point the SoCC is finalised. This is done at the start of statutory consultation, at which point:

• the final SoCC is published on the project website, and

• a Section 47 Notice is placed in the required local newspapers, formally advertising the statutory consultation and signposting the public to the published SoCC.

This is the legally defined point at which the wider community, including Town and Parish Councils, are formally notified of how statutory consultation with local communities will be undertaken.

The publication of the SoCC has been advertised via Section 47 notices in the Yorkshire Post and the Lancashire Telegraph on 8 and 15 April 2026.

The SoCC can be viewed and downloaded for free here, paper copies are also available on request. The SoCC can also be viewed at the in-person consultation events. If you would like a paper copy of the SoCC please get in contact with the project team via the contact details at the end of this document.

Our programme has been developed to ensure that consultation takes place at a stage when feedback can meaningfully shape the design of the project before submission, which is a core consultation principle of the DCO process.

In direct response to feedback from host local authorities, we have already made changes to the timing and structure of the statutory consultation. These include:

• Extending the consultation period from six to nine weeks

• Scheduling the consultation to begin after the Easter Bank Holiday

• Ensuring that a substantial part of the consultation period (more than the statutory minimum 28-days) falls after the local elections, so newly elected councils have full opportunity to participate.

• Adding an additional consultation event in Haworth

The aim is to consult at a point in the development process where comments can genuinely influence the final DCO application, rather than delaying consultation to a stage where the ability to make changes is more limited.

Our programme remains aligned with good practice for consultation, and we are committed to delivering a consultation that is thorough and properly aligned with the needs of local authorities and communities.

Yes. You can request hard copies of the consultation newsletter, brochure, FAQs booklet, feedback form and the Non‑Technical Summary of the PEIR, all of which are available free of charge. These can be posted to you or collected from any in‑person consultation event. A printed hard copy of the PEIR will also be available to view at the consultation events. A copy of the PEIR can be provided to you on a USB stick, free of charge.

You may also request a printed hard copy of the full PEIR. If you do so, we will arrange for it to be professionally printed and supplied to you. Because the PEIR is a large, multi‑volume document, printing it is costly, so a reasonable copying charge will apply to cover these printing costs only.

The maximum charge for a complete printed PEIR, including all appendices and figures, is £12,000, with the cost based on the specific volumes requested:

• Volume 1 – Main Report: £1,500

• Volume 2 – Figures: £6,000

• Volume 3 – Appendices: £4,500

If you would like to request any consultation materials in hard copy, or if you need them in an alternative, more accessible format, please contact us using the details provided at the bottom of the page.

After our statutory consultation we will be taking the time to review the feedback received and finalise the proposals and all the documents needed for our DCO application. We will be producing a Consultation Report as part of the DCO application, this report will detail all the activity we undertook as part of our non-statutory and statutory consultations, summarise the feedback we received and how we have had regard to that feedback.

Public participation is a crucial part of the DCO process. Developers must conduct public consultations and give due consideration to the feedback received. 

The feedback received at our non-statutory consultation, coupled with the ongoing environmental and technical surveys, has played a crucial role in shaping the design of Calderdale Energy Park that we are presenting now during our statutory consultation. The feedback we receive from statutory consultation will help us to finalise our proposals ahead of submission of the DCO application later this year. 

Please submit your responses by 11:59pm on Wednesday 10 June 2026 using one of the following methods:

CWFL may be required to make copies of consultation responses available to the Planning Inspectorate. All personal information received as part of the statutory consultation will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found at https://www.calderdaleenergypark.co.uk/privacy-policy/.

• Completing the feedback form online at https://www.calderdaleenergypark.co.uk/have-your-say/

• By returning a printed copy of the feedback form to us at Freepost CALDERDALE ENERGY PARK (no stamp required)

• Emailing us at info@calderdalenergypark.co.uk

• Writing to us at Freepost CALDERDALE ENERGY PARK (no stamp required)

• Attending a consultation event and completing a printed feedback form which can be handed into the team in-person or sent to us via the freepost address above

Responses submitted after the consultation deadline may not be considered. To ensure your feedback is captured, please use the official response channels provided.

For postal submissions, we will allow a seven‑day grace period after the consultation closes. Paper responses received within this period will be accepted. Unfortunately, any postal responses received after this time will not be accepted.

CWFL requests that responses state the grounds of representation, indicate who is making it, and provide an address to which any correspondence relating to the representation may be sent.