Campaign group formed to oppose Yorkshire Dales wind farm plans

A campaign group has been formed to oppose plans for a large wind farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

If approved, 20 wind turbines with a height of around 200m (656ft) would be built near Stang Forest, between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale.

Residents said they launched the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group to “save the wildlife corridor and protect the skyline” from green energy development.

A spokesperson for the wind farm project said feedback from residents in surrounding areas was “at the heart of our approach”.

Action group members claimed the wind farm would be visible from 75 miles away and from West Yorkshire, Teesside, Tyneside and the Lake District.

Fred Olsen Renewables, which submitted the proposal, said the Hope Moor wind farm would produce enough energy to power 81,000 homes and businesses.

It said consultations would take place throughout 2026 before submitting an application in 2027.

The action group said the proposed development would damage a landscape home to many rare and protected birds.

He said peatlands were vital for storing carbon and helping to meet the country’s climate goals.

The action group has more than 400 members on social media, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Suzy Wilson, spokesperson for the group, said: “While the group supports renewable energy as a vital tool in the fight against climate change, it strongly opposes developments that cause irreversible damage to ecologically sensitive habitats, peatlands and ancient woodlands.

“The proposed site is thriving and provides a wildlife refuge essential to biodiversity.”

She added: “Planning for the site has been underway for over a year, but there was a distinct lack of engagement with the proposals. »

Hope Moor Wind Farm senior project manager Kelly Wyness said further information would be shared during a public consultation which opens in early 2026.

He added: “We recognize the importance and value of full engagement with communities, but we want to ensure everyone has all the information they need to determine their opinion.

“Listening and learning from local populations is at the heart of our approach. As a family business, this is ingrained in everything we do.