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Dales 'wrong location' for wind farm - mountaineer

Joe WillisLocal Democracy Reporting Service
LDRS Hinkes outdoors in a snowy, mountainous environment during active snowfall. The landscape is almost completely covered in snow, with scattered dark rocks visible across the ground and on the slopes in the background. He is wearing heavy winter mountaineering clothing, including a blue insulated jacket with a large hood pulled up over a light-colored hat or helmet. Black gloves, dark trousers, and climbing equipment are also visible. A climbing harness is fastened around the waist, with several carabiners, ropes, and other pieces of mountaineering gear attached. An ice axe appears to be secured to the backpack or carried over one shoulder.LDRS
Alan Hinkes has voiced concerns over the impact on "one of England's finest landscapes"

One of Britain's most accomplished mountaineers has said that the edge of the Yorkshire Dales is the wrong location for a proposed wind farm.

Norwegian company Fred. Olsen Renewables is preparing plans for 23 wind turbines, each more than 200m (656ft) high, on moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale.

The company said the Hope Moor Wind Farm project would provide enough renewable electricity to power around 135,000 homes and contribute to the UK's net zero ambitions.

Alan Hinkes OBE, who lives in Northallerton, said he recognised the importance of tackling climate change and securing future energy supplies, but worried the scheme would "permanently alter one of England's finest landscapes".

The proposal has attracted opposition from local residents, parish councils and campaign groups, who argue it would industrialise the moorland.

Developers maintain the project would generate significant renewable energy while helping meet national climate targets.

LDRS/Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group A wide open countryside landscape under a bright, cloudless blue sky. The scene appears to be taken on a clear, sunny day, with strong natural light illuminating the grassy terrain. In the foreground on the left side of the image, there is a weathered wooden signpost. Attached to the post is a wooden directional sign that points toward the right and contains the partially visible text "PUBLIC FOOTPATH." The wood looks aged and rough, with the lettering appearing dark against the faded surface. A narrow paved road runs through the middle of the landscape, curving gently as it stretches into the distance. Beside the road is a grassy path that follows a similar direction across the open moorland. The grass is a mixture of bright green and pale brown shades, creating a patchwork of colours across the ground. The background consists of rolling hills and open fields with very few trees or structures visible.LDRS/Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group
The location of the proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm

Hinkes, who became the first Briton to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks, is now an ambassador for the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group, the Local Democracy Service reports.

Cricket legend Ian Botham and the Duke of Norfolk, Britain's most senior peer, have already backed the campaign.

Suzy Wilson, spokesperson for the action group, said: "Alan has seen first hand the impact of global warming, but has stated unequivocally that the Hope Moor Energy Park is the right development in the wrong place."

While acknowledging the role renewable energy has to play, Hinkes believes large-scale developments should be located where they have less impact on nationally important landscapes.

"If we need major energy infrastructure, then we should be asking whether there are more appropriate locations closer to the country's largest centres of population or within more industrialised areas, rather than on the edge of one of Britain's most celebrated landscapes," he said.

Hinkes also highlighted concerns over the site's proximity to military low-flying training routes and questioned whether disturbing extensive peatland could undermine some of the project's environmental benefits.

"If reducing carbon emissions is the objective, then we should not be excavating significant areas of peat and releasing carbon to build industrial infrastructure," he said.

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