Largest onshore windfarm could be built on moorland

Plans to create England's largest onshore wind farm have been submitted following the end of an effective ban on the projects.

Cubico Sustainable Investments is proposing to build turbines on moorland next to the existing Scout Moor site between Rochdale, in Greater Manchester and Rossendale, in Lancashire.

The 100 megawatt Scout Moor II development will be the first onshore windfarm in the country for a decade if the plans are approved by Rossendale and Rochdale councils.

The proposal comes after the Labour government lifted the de facto ban on new onshore wind farms put in place by the previous Conservative government nine years ago.

Now the ban has been lifted, the developers hope the project, which they say will power over 100,000 homes and meet around 10% of Greater Manchester’s domestic energy needs, will be approved.

Cubico added that Scout Moor II could be operational by 2030 and generate an estimated £200m of investment and hundreds of skilled green jobs across the lifetime of the project.

As part of the application, Cubico is also proposing a community wealth fund and moorland restoration and management plan to support local initiatives and promote biodiversity across the area.

David Swindin, chief executive officer at Cubico, said: "Our proposal for Scout Moor II reflects our strong confidence in the UK renewables sector and Britain’s potential to become a global clean energy powerhouse."

A previous proposal to expand the number of turbines at Scout Moor was introduced by Peel Wind Power in the mid-2010s.

While it was supported by Rossendale and Rochdale councils, it was refused by the then Secretary of State following a public inquiry.

Additional reporting by Bill Jacobs, Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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