One of Britain’s most accomplished mountaineers has added his voice to concerns over the proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm.
Alan Hinkes OBE says that while he recognises the importance of tackling climate change and securing future energy supplies, he believes remote moorland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales is the wrong location for a development of this scale.
Norwegian company Fred. Olsen Renewables is preparing plans for 23 wind turbines, each more than 200m high, on moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale.
The company says the project would provide enough renewable electricity to power around 135,000 homes and contribute to the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Mr Hinkes, from Northallerton, became the first Briton to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks.
The mountaineer argues that the environmental costs of the scheme must be carefully considered.
“These are not wind farms. They are major power stations,” he said.
“The scale of the infrastructure, including roads, foundations and grid connections, would permanently alter one of England’s finest landscapes.”
He also questioned whether disturbing extensive peatland could undermine some of the project’s environmental benefits.
“Peat is one of our most important natural carbon stores. If reducing carbon emissions is the objective, then we should not be excavating significant areas of peat and releasing carbon to build industrial infrastructure.”
Mr Hinkes also highlighted practical concerns over the site’s proximity to established military low-flying training routes used by the Royal Air Force, United States Air Force and other NATO aircraft.
“It is difficult to see how structures 600 feet in height can coexist with long-established low-flying operations.”
While acknowledging the role renewable energy has to play, Mr 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.”
The Hope Moor 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.
Mr Hinkes believes the debate should not be framed as being for or against renewable energy, but about ensuring that the transition to low-carbon power is achieved without sacrificing landscapes of exceptional national value.
“There is a balance to be struck. We need renewable energy, but we also have a responsibility to protect the landscapes that define this country. Once they are changed on this scale, they cannot easily be restored.”
“This is not an argument against renewable energy. It is an argument for placing major infrastructure where it delivers the greatest public benefit with the least environmental harm.
“The Yorkshire Dales and its surrounding landscapes are among Britain’s greatest national countryside assets. Once the landscape is industrialised, it cannot simply be returned to what it was. Once it is gone, it’s gone forever.”
Mr Hinkes has become an ambassador for the Hope Moor Action Group,
Suzy Wilson, spokesperson for the group, said: “We are thrilled that Alan has agreed to lend us his full support to our campaign.
“Alan is one of a very select group of mountaineers who have summitted the eight highest mountains on earth including Everest and K2.
“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.”
Cricket legend Ian Botham and the Duke of Norfolk, Britain’s most senior peer, have already backed the campaign.
