Can I start by saying that I believe, without question, that Wind Power has its part to play in the need for alternative energy; However, I just cannot support Brown’s quest to ‘Blanket’ the Calder Valley with wind turbines as part of his demand for 8,000 new turbines across the Country.
I am also against the action taken by Power Companies to put in over 420 planning applications for new wind farms, on a purely ad-hoc basis; not because wind power will sort out our alternative power needs but because the subsidies ‘Brown’s lot’ have to offer is the only way that power companies can make wind farms financially viable.
The Secretary of State, who has just overturned local planning decisions for proposals at Crook Hill in Todmorden, has said that the need for Alternative energy far outweighs any local objection what-so-ever. This beggars belief when issues like water tables and hydrology; health issues relating to those living close by; the loss of Urban Common; loss of blanket bog areas and not to mention the Visual amenity all have an impact on those who live in the Calder Valley.
For those who say that they like the look of wind farms then a word of caution. We currently have 2 farms with 43 turbines in total above the Valleys here in Calderdale. Imagine how a large share of Brown’s 8,000 new turbines will look.
Similarly, those of my critics may ask what the Conservatives policies on alternatives are we believe in micro generation locally and off-shore wind, not on-shore.
Click here to see my letter of representation to the Planning Inspectorate on Coronation Power’s application to de-register parts of the commons needed for Crook Hill, details of which are in the Todmorden Library. | 
