Scout Moor Set for Giant Wind Turbines as Developer Revives Expansion Plans Amidst Fierce Local Opposition
The iconic skyline north of Manchester, long dominated by the existing Scout Moor wind farm, faces a dramatic transformation with new plans to erect 17 significantly larger and more powerful turbines. The proposal by renewable energy developer Cubico Sustainable Investments could see the moorland become home to England's largest onshore wind farm, but it has reignited fierce local opposition from a community group vowing to fight the 'Scout Moor II' project.
For two decades, the original Scout Moor wind farm has been a prominent feature between Rochdale, Edenfield, and Rawtenstall. Now, Cubico is proposing a new array of generators, each standing up to 180 metres tall – far exceeding the height and power output of the current 26 turbines. This scaled-back plan from an initial 21 turbines aims to generate 100 Megawatts of clean electricity, capable of powering an estimated 100,000 homes per year. Scout Moor II would operate as a separate entity from its established neighbour.
However, the path to expansion has been fraught with difficulty, with similar plans resurfacing multiple times over the past 15 years, each attempt ultimately rejected. A determined group, 'Say NO to Scout Moor 2', is mobilising to ensure this latest proposal also fails to gain approval.
Comprising activists from communities including Prickshaw, Norden, Rawtenstall, and Edenfield, alongside members of the Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum and Rossendale Civic Trust, the group met with the Local Democracy Reporting Service to articulate their comprehensive concerns. They emphasise that their opposition goes far beyond subjective aesthetic dislikes, stemming from a meticulous scrutiny of planning documents and project finances.
.jpg)
Visual Impact and Previous Rejection
Naturally, campaigners find the prospect of even larger turbines, up to 180 metres including blade tips, dominating an already prominent skyline deeply troubling. This concern was pivotal in the rejection of a previous Scout Moor extension application in 2017. Planning Inspector John Woolcock recommended refusing 14 proposed turbines in Rossendale, with only two Rochdale turbines approved (which were ultimately never built), largely on the grounds of visual impact.
Peatland Destruction: An Irreversible Loss?
A central tenet of the 'Say NO to Scout Moor 2' campaign is the feared destruction of the moorland's delicate peatland ecosystem during construction. Building the massive turbine bases would necessitate extensive excavation through metres of peat, a loss campaigners argue is irreplaceable, despite Cubico's assurances.
In response, Cubico Sustainable Investments has pledged a major moorland restoration scheme. They commit to restoring ten hectares of degraded moorland for every hectare affected by the wind farm, equating to 346 hectares of repair work. This restoration, they say, would involve blocking historic drainage channels, replanting native mosses like sphagnum, and carefully reusing peat removed during construction. Detailed Moorland Restoration and Management Plans, along with an Outline Peat Management Plan, have been submitted to local councils.
Financial Scrutiny and Community Fund Skepticism
Campaigners also voice concerns over the sheer scale of the development and the capacity of Rochdale and Rossendale councils, who hold joint decision-making powers, to adequately manage such a complex application.
Cubico has proposed a long-term Community Wealth Fund, promising a £20 million investment over the lifetime of the wind farm. This fund would deliver a guaranteed £600,000 per year, linked to inflation, and managed by a newly formed, independent Scout Moor Development Trust chaired by local representatives. Its purpose is to funnel money back into the community. However, past unfulfilled promises regarding community funds from previous developers have left campaigners deeply skeptical of these new commitments.
Furthermore, the group questions the developer's claim that the wind farm could power 100,000 homes, suggesting this figure relies on turbines consistently operating at maximum capacity, an unlikely scenario given varying wind conditions.
The Road Ahead: Data Collection and Public Consultation
Cubico is now awaiting the first round of planning permission approvals. The developer states they are working closely with both Rossendale and Rochdale councils to ensure prompt validation of their applications and promises further information will be published in due course. They also confirm that additional public consultation and engagement will take place as part of the planning process, allowing for potential updates to the proposals based on feedback.
A crucial next step for the developer is to generate two years of vital wind data to assess the site's suitability and secure project funding. Cubico has recently obtained permission to erect a 91-metre meteorological mast on the moorland for this purpose. If successful, the developer hopes to begin construction by 2030, but not without overcoming the persistent objections of a vigilant local community.
For two decades, the original Scout Moor wind farm has been a prominent feature between Rochdale, Edenfield, and Rawtenstall. Now, Cubico is proposing a new array of generators, each standing up to 180 metres tall – far exceeding the height and power output of the current 26 turbines. This scaled-back plan from an initial 21 turbines aims to generate 100 Megawatts of clean electricity, capable of powering an estimated 100,000 homes per year. Scout Moor II would operate as a separate entity from its established neighbour.
However, the path to expansion has been fraught with difficulty, with similar plans resurfacing multiple times over the past 15 years, each attempt ultimately rejected. A determined group, 'Say NO to Scout Moor 2', is mobilising to ensure this latest proposal also fails to gain approval.
Comprising activists from communities including Prickshaw, Norden, Rawtenstall, and Edenfield, alongside members of the Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum and Rossendale Civic Trust, the group met with the Local Democracy Reporting Service to articulate their comprehensive concerns. They emphasise that their opposition goes far beyond subjective aesthetic dislikes, stemming from a meticulous scrutiny of planning documents and project finances.
.jpg)
Visual Impact and Previous Rejection
Naturally, campaigners find the prospect of even larger turbines, up to 180 metres including blade tips, dominating an already prominent skyline deeply troubling. This concern was pivotal in the rejection of a previous Scout Moor extension application in 2017. Planning Inspector John Woolcock recommended refusing 14 proposed turbines in Rossendale, with only two Rochdale turbines approved (which were ultimately never built), largely on the grounds of visual impact.
Peatland Destruction: An Irreversible Loss?
A central tenet of the 'Say NO to Scout Moor 2' campaign is the feared destruction of the moorland's delicate peatland ecosystem during construction. Building the massive turbine bases would necessitate extensive excavation through metres of peat, a loss campaigners argue is irreplaceable, despite Cubico's assurances.
In response, Cubico Sustainable Investments has pledged a major moorland restoration scheme. They commit to restoring ten hectares of degraded moorland for every hectare affected by the wind farm, equating to 346 hectares of repair work. This restoration, they say, would involve blocking historic drainage channels, replanting native mosses like sphagnum, and carefully reusing peat removed during construction. Detailed Moorland Restoration and Management Plans, along with an Outline Peat Management Plan, have been submitted to local councils.
Financial Scrutiny and Community Fund Skepticism
Campaigners also voice concerns over the sheer scale of the development and the capacity of Rochdale and Rossendale councils, who hold joint decision-making powers, to adequately manage such a complex application.
Cubico has proposed a long-term Community Wealth Fund, promising a £20 million investment over the lifetime of the wind farm. This fund would deliver a guaranteed £600,000 per year, linked to inflation, and managed by a newly formed, independent Scout Moor Development Trust chaired by local representatives. Its purpose is to funnel money back into the community. However, past unfulfilled promises regarding community funds from previous developers have left campaigners deeply skeptical of these new commitments.
Furthermore, the group questions the developer's claim that the wind farm could power 100,000 homes, suggesting this figure relies on turbines consistently operating at maximum capacity, an unlikely scenario given varying wind conditions.
The Road Ahead: Data Collection and Public Consultation
Cubico is now awaiting the first round of planning permission approvals. The developer states they are working closely with both Rossendale and Rochdale councils to ensure prompt validation of their applications and promises further information will be published in due course. They also confirm that additional public consultation and engagement will take place as part of the planning process, allowing for potential updates to the proposals based on feedback.
A crucial next step for the developer is to generate two years of vital wind data to assess the site's suitability and secure project funding. Cubico has recently obtained permission to erect a 91-metre meteorological mast on the moorland for this purpose. If successful, the developer hopes to begin construction by 2030, but not without overcoming the persistent objections of a vigilant local community.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Send your story in to editor@rochdalevaliant.uk
Post a Comment