A PUBLIC forum is to be held over controversial plans for a massive wind farm on moorland bordering Bronte country.

Campaigners say the planned 65-turbine development on Walshaw Moor, between Stanbury and Hebden Bridge, would have a "profound" environmental and visual impact.

Objectors include the Haworth-based Bronte Society. It fears the project would ruin the landscape for millions of people from across the world who visit to experience the surroundings that inspired the literary siblings and see ruined farmhouse Top Withens, which was reputedly the inspiration for the setting of Wuthering Heights.

Behind the scheme is Calderdale Wind Farm Ltd, which has submitted a scoping report to Calderdale Council ahead of any future planning application.

Anyone is welcome to attend the forum, being held at the Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge, on Wednesday, May 15, from 7.30pm.

Admission is free and advance booking is not necessary, but people are asked to note that seating is limited to 350 and the centre has limited parking, so organisers request that anyone attending parks in Hebden Bridge itself and walks to the venue.

The forum will feature a number of speakers on different aspects of the development's potential impact.

Organising the event is the Pennine Heritage Trust, in partnership with Hebden Bridge Literary and Scientific Society and Stop Calderdale Wind Farm.

A spokesperson says: "Speakers will cover subjects including the potential impact the scheme might have on upland birds and on the moorland peat, flooding risks and the carbon footprint of the construction project.

"Following the presentations, the audience will be invited to participate in an open discussion."

Calderdale Wind Farm Ltd, which is backed by Worldwide Renewable Energy, describes the scheme as an "incredibly exciting opportunity".

It says the wind farm would generate enough renewable electricity to power 286,491 homes per year, saving 426,241 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually when compared to fossil-fuel electricity generation.

The company states any potential risks to wildlife will be assessed as part of an environmental impact assessment process, adding "we will work closely with national environment organisations to ensure the design and layout does not interfere with sensitive species or wildlife-designated sites".

It adds that there is a commitment to planting 300,000 trees across the estate, and as the proposals are developed it will "design the scheme and placement of the wind turbines and associated infrastructure to minimise any disruption to existing paths and trails".