EAST Lancashire MP Janet Anderson has called for a public inquiry into plans to build a massive £50million wind farm in the area.

She has written to Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt calling for the hearing before any decision is taken on whether to allow the proposals for Scout Moor, in her Rossendale and Darwen constituency, to go ahead.

United Utilities wants to put 26 100-metre high turbines on the site near Edenfield.

The scheme would provide 65 megawatts of power, making it the most productive wind farm in the North West and providing 51,000 homes -- including half of Rochdale -- with renewable energy.

The site is the windiest in Lancashire and despite having two turbines fewer than the Cliviger wind farm, currently the largest in the region, it will provide six times more electricity.

The project by United Utilities and their partner Peel Holdings will also provide £1million for community projects and provide 130 jobs.

Mrs Anderson told Mrs Hewitt that she believes the Cabinet Minister will have to take the decision in the end.

She writes: "There is widespread opposition to this development in my constituency.

"I have now received around 200 letters and e-mails from my constituents who are opposed and only two who are in favour.

"None of us are oppose to wind farms per se, but this proposed site is so extensive, so intrusive by virtue of its proximity to residential developments and so potentially damaging to our natural environment and our opportunities to promote tourism in the Rossendale Valley that we would be extremely concerned if it were to gain approval.

"I do not know what development local authorities will decide, but I consider it would be in all our interests if there were a public inquiry, in order to properly explore all the issues.

"I do hope, therefore, that you will give serious and sympathetic consideration to this course of action."