Windfarm Plan Sparks Lorry Row

A proposed wind farm at Walshaw Moor in West Yorkshire is facing significant opposition from local campaigners. The core of the controversy lies in the extensive transportation of materials required for its construction. Over 600,000 tonnes of stone are needed to build access tracks for the planned 34 turbines.

According to consultation documents, this could result in 148 daily lorry movements for 16 months, with stone delivered by rail to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Leyland before being transported by road. This influx of heavy goods vehicles has raised serious concerns among local residents and council representatives.

Calderdale Energy Park, the company behind the project, has described the figures as a "worst case scenario" and stated that no final decisions on transportation have been made. They are exploring various options, including rail delivery, to mitigate potential impacts. The wind farm, if approved, would be one of England's largest.

The government's planning inspectorate is set to examine the consultation process in autumn 2026, with a final decision expected from the Secretary of State for Energy Security in 2027 or 2028.