13th November 2007

Natural England, the Government's independent statutory landscape advisor on the natural environment, has "no objection to the proposed development" of a wind farm at Todmorden Moor in Calderdale. Coronation Power's proposed wind farm consists of five 125 metre high turbines which would generate up to 15MW of sustainable, green electricity.

A planning application was submitted to Calderdale Council in December 2006. In Natural England's consultee response to the Calderdale planning department, they maintained that "either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, it would not be likely to have a significant effect on the interest features of the South Pennine Moors". Coronation Power has two other proposals in the planning system for wind farms near the Todmorden Moor site.

As the definitive authority on landscape, Natural England's role is "ensuring that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations. Our responsibilities specifically encompass nature conservation, biodiversity, landscape, recreation and access interests in rural, urban, costal and marine areas."

As Natural England said on 29 October, "we need to rise to the challenge of climate change". The Todmorden Moor wind farm would contribute to regional, national and international renewable energy targets aimed at reducing the harmful effects of climate change. The site could produce enough electricity for the annual energy consumption of 9,000 homes or the equivalent to 11% of the population of Calderdale Borough.

The scheme has many other benefits including a habitat restoration and management system for the degraded ecology on Todmorden Moor. As part of a voluntary planning condition set by the developer, the habitat management system would continually improve the state of the moor for the duration of the wind farms' lifetime. In addition, a Community Benefit of £275,000 will be given to the local council if they approve the scheme.

Only recently, Lancashire Country Council Special Landscape Advisor stated the project to be "acceptable" in landscape and visual terms. "With so much approval in terms of landscape and visual impact from the likes of a Council Special Advisor and Natural England for this wind farm, we are keen to move forwards. In addition to generating clean electricity, the local community will benefit from the Todmorden Moor habitat management and community benefit package" says Coronation Power's PR Officer Danielle Milne.