Public consultation begins on moorland wind farm

People are being asked to give their views on controversial plans for a wind farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Developers Fred. Olsen Renewables (FORL) say the Hope Moor Wind Farm scheme, in the Stang Forest between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale, would comprise 23 wind turbines and could generate enough green energy to power about 135,000 homes.

Critics have condemned the development as "devastating industrialisation" of Yorkshire Dales moorland.

A public consultation has begun and residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to view the plans and provide feedback before the scheme progresses further.

The development would have a generating capacity of more than 150MW, FORL says.

The company says the project would play an important role in supporting the UK's climate targets and strengthening long-term energy security, while also bringing investment and environmental improvements to the local area.

As part of the proposals, FORL says it is exploring opportunities to create a "long-lasting legacy" for surrounding communities through initiatives including a community benefit fund, local employment opportunities, peatland and habitat restoration work and improved access to the site.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, developers also say they want to work alongside farmers, landowners and local residents to help maintain traditional countryside skills such as drystone walling while improving understanding of the area's landscape and heritage.

Euan Hutchinson, UK development director at FORL, said the consultation process was intended to gather local views before more detailed plans were prepared.

He said: "Hope Moor Wind Farm is being developed with the local community very much in mind.

"This first stage of consultation is about listening to and understanding what matters to people locally and using that feedback to help shape our plans before we come back with a second stage of consultation later this year.

"We encourage people to take a look at the proposals at this stage and share their views. What you tell us will help inform how the project develops."

The Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group, which was formed to fight the plans, has also urged the public to take part in the consultation.

A spokesperson said: "Our primary purpose is to save the Yorkshire Dales landscape from this devastating industrialisation.

"The proposal would turn this wildlife haven into a massive energy park on valuable peatland and these towering structures would dominate views for miles around.

"We would actively encourage anyone who might be impacted to actively engage and obtain as much information from Olsens on their detailed plans covering the highway access routes, grid connection, cable routes, ecology, wildlife and landscape impact and mitigation."

Following the official consultation, developers say feedback will be reviewed before a second round of engagement later this year ahead of an anticipated development consent order application to the Planning Inspectorate in 2027.

A series of public drop-in consultation events will take place in the coming weeks.

These will be at Newsham Village Hall, Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall, Barningham Village Hall, Reeth Memorial Hall and at The Witham in Barnard Castle and The Station in Richmond.

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