Proposals for the extension of Scout Moor wind farm in the hills above Rossendale have been largely welcomed by councillors, though there have also been calls for clear consultation and sharing wealth with communities if the farm is approved.
Cubico Sustainable Investments has set out its plan for the Scout Moor II wind farm extension, with the site described as one of the best locations for onshore wind energy generation in England.
A previous 2015 plan was supported by Rochdale and Rossendale councils, but it was opposed by some residents and refused by a national planning inspector. Then in 2017, the Conservative Local Government Secretary at the time, Sajid Javid, upheld the refusal.
The existing Scout Moor wind farm was commissioned back in 2008. The later 2015 extension plan was submitted by Scout Moor Wind Farm Expansion Ltd, a joint enterprise between Peel Energy and United Utilities, to increase the turbines from 26 to 42.
It would be the first major on-shore wind development plan in around 10 years, costing £200 million, following the Labour government lifting a previous de-facto ban on onshore wind enforced by the Tories.
If approved, Scout Moor II could power more than 100,000 homes and meet around 10 per cent of Greater Manchester’s household energy needs, reducing the UK’s reliance on imported fuel, protecting consumers from price fluctuations and increasing UK energy security, according to Cubico.
Now, leading councillors in Rossendale have been giving their initial thoughts on the possibility of the Scout Moor expansion.
"We are waiting for the feedback from the consultations which start next week and which I will attend.
“We also haven’t seen the actual turbine locations or the environmental impact assessment. There have been some social media comments on the proposed wealth funds.
"As the commissioning is five years away, we feel it is a bit early for forming views on its use."
Green Party Cllr Julie Adshead said: “It was good to hear of Cubico’s proposals.
"Any addition to renewable energy generation is to be welcomed. The project will also benefit Rossendale Council through rental income and provide a source of much-needed council revenue.
"It is early stages as yet but the proposal to go beyond what is required by regulation for enhancing bio-diversity is to be welcomed. The project for moorland restoration and management will bring benefits to the upland areas.
"Of course, renewable energy is only one part of a much bigger picture and help is desperately needed to help energy users with retrofitting their homes and affordable energy.
"There is a community benefit fund attached to the proposal, which provides for the minimum recommended contribution.
"It would be good to see some of this directed to target these issues and for thought on how some of the energy generated can reach residents directly through a local energy market, which would make it more affordable.”
Conservative opposition group leader Cllr Scott Smith said: “As representatives of the communities set to be most affected by this project, we are in constant contact with residents.
"We all understand the need for clean energy and associated infrastructure but are clear the consultation process has to be full and meaningful on a project of this scale.
"It is also of the utmost importance that everything possible is done to minimise the impact of any project on our communities, both as work takes place and in the years to follow.
"Any application must also comply with the Local Plan, given that a previous application was refused by the secretary of state because it failed to do so.
"As this process begins, we encourage residents across the valley to engage with the consultation events coming up, and to contact their councillors to have their say.”
Cubico is also proposing a multi-million-pound community wealth fund and a moorland restoration and management plan to support local initiatives and promote biodiversity.
Cubico has been contacted for further comment. It is holding online consultation on November 26 with in-person exhibitions to follow.
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