Gusty winds

This is how the latest controversial wind-turbine proposal would look, up at Crimsworth (source: planning application).

Now the Planning Committee has rejected the proposal, see: the hebden bridge times article , Whatever the pros and cons of the individual decision, we want to continue and inform the local debate. How can we make the transition to a world after Peak Oil and climate change? How do we balance the need for renewable energy with the importance of conserving the beauty of our landscape?



Here is our story and vox pop that was in the Hebden Bridge Times:

LAST week's front page report in the Hebden Bridge Times said Wadsworth Parish Council had given the thumbs down to plans for an 80 feet wind turbine at Crimsworth Farm in Pecket Well.

Members said the turbine was too big, would produce more energy than the area needs and would be too close to a war memorial. The applicant, Sally Hayes, said the turbine plan was about protecting the environment for future generations.

The decision on this particular application will be made next month and more requests will no doubt follow as more people seek out cleaner means of generating the energy we need.

Hebden Bridge Transition Town group decided to ask a random sample of Hebden Bridge residents what they thought about the installation of wind turbines in this area.

We asked the people we met on a sunny afternoon in St George's Square whether they thought we should be using wind power in this area to meet more of our energy needs and this is what they said.

Jack Allen said he was in favour of the idea and felt it was a necessary step to take.

"We have to bite the bullet, we can't have what we want forever," he said.

But he said he would like to see water power explored as an alternative as well, given this area's history. "There are dams all the way up the rivers round here, like up the Colden Valley, that were used to power the machines in the mills.

"Some of the structures are still there, they just need wheels. Let's get them used."

Jeanette Keen said she was concerned about some aspects of turbines but overall felt they needed to be part of our future energy use. "People say they are an eyesore and that they are damaging to wildlife.

"They always pick the most beautiful places to put them. They should have them right out at sea. But I think we have to do something and there are worse things you can look at."

Perched on a bench with her three-year-old grandson Theo, Anne Etherington was firmly in support of widening the use of wind power. She said it was clean and reduced our reliance on other forms of energy that were running out.

"I know some people think it spoils the landscape and in a way it does, but it is not harmful in any other way. And the other ways are worse. I honestly think that we are in a position with the environment where we have to bite the bullet and make this decision.

"I am in favour of any means where people make an effort for the next generation.

"I know there is a debate about global warming. I think whether global warming is causing problems or not it is still sensible and right not to pollute the environment."

She expressed concern about traffic pollution from the A646 and the effect on schools along its route. "All steps should be taken in all areas. We have got to learn not to be selfish."

Dan Walsh and Sarah Always were in agreement that wind power was an essential way forward. "People seem to think that they are ugly but compared to pylons they are much better to look at. There is a lot of talk about what needs to happen by 2050.