CONTROVERSIAL plans for a windfarm on the hills above Bacup could be thrown out by councillors tonight.

Plans to build nine massive wind turbines at Hogshead Law Hill have split the local community and environmental groups, with some believing they will destroy the moorland site and others claiming pollution will be reduced by the natural power source.

But tonight could see the end of the stormy row, which has raged since the idea was first launched, as Rossendale councillors have been recommended to refuse planning permission for the development. Renewable Energy Systems, which already operates a windfarm at Mereclough, above Cliviger (above, right), says the nine 45m towers each with three 27m rotor blades would create enough energy to supply 6,000 homes each year. But furious local residents argue that the wind turbines will dwarf Bacup and could harm the moor's natural peat bed and watercourses and wildlife.

Horseriding groups, rambling associations, and conservationists have all added their fears to those aired by 925 locals, who wrote letters of objection to the town hall.

John Cowpe, acting borough engineer for Rossendale Council, has recommended councillors to refuse the planning application as the wind farm would reduce the open space on the green belt plot. In his report, Mr Cowpe also said that the turbines would not be in keeping with the features of the landscape, would dramatically interrupt Rossendale's skyline and could affect the land's rare blanket bog, which provides a natural habitat for local birds.

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