Local MP Robbie Moore has voiced his strong opposition to a proposal that would see the construction of the largest onshore wind farm in England on protected peatland in Bronte Country, an area renowned for its natural beauty and literary heritage. The proposal involves the construction of 65 wind turbines, each reaching up to 200 meters in height, across 2,352 hectares of historic land.
Mr Moore expressed grave concerns about the environmental and social impact of this project, particularly the threat posed to the peatlands.
"Peatlands are crucial carbon stores, and disturbing them risks releasing significant carbon emissions, undermining efforts to reduce our carbon footprint," he said. "Whilst we all recognise the need to increase energy production, these needs must be properly balanced with environmental preservation."
The proposed wind farm would also involve the transportation of 45,000 truckloads of limestone from North Yorkshire through towns such as Keighley, Ingrow, Cross Roads, and Oxenhope, causing significant disruption to local residents.
Mr Moore also agreed with the concerns of The Bronte Society, which believes the wind farm will harm the iconic landscape that attracts tourists from around the world.
"It is worrying to see Labour lift the moratorium on onshore wind farms and loosen the National Planning Policy Framework rules, potentially endangering our natural heritage here in Keighley and Ilkley," Mr Moore said.
The MP has pledged to oppose the project in Parliament, working with local campaigners to ensure any new energy projects are sustainable and do not compromise the local landscape.
"It is clear that the government must provide clear guidelines that exclude protected peatland as suitable sites for wind farms," he concluded.
