PROTESTERS against plans for a £50million wind farm in Edenfield are expected to turn out in force for a public inquiry into the proposed scheme.

Rochdale Council, Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Council all objected to the application by United Utilities and Peel Holdings for a 26-turbine farm on Scout Moor.

A special meeting of Rossendale Council's development control committee last year discussed the controversial plan, which met with huge opposition from residents.

Campaigners - including a wildlife photographer and a member of Rossendale Harriers - spoke out over fears it will destroy the moorland.

The inquiry will open at Rochdale Rugby Club, Morrgate Avenue, at 10am tomorrow.

United Utilities claim the wind farm would make the county one of the greenest in the North West and, although they recognise concerns about potential developments and the landscape, the failure to tackle climate change could have a devastating impact on the environment.

Neighbours who believe the 26 turbines proposed will be a blot on the landscape last year went on a moorland protest march led by environmentalist David Bellamy.

The turbines would be 300ft tall and, according to the applicants, provide green power to 51,000 homes in Rossendale and Rochdale while helping to meet Government targets on renewable energy.

Rossendale Council received 1,100 letters against the farm and only 24 in support. Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson has said she has opposed to the plans.