PLANS have been sent to Rossendale Council to carry out tests in a bid to decide whether the wind in Bacup is strong enough to justify building a wind farm.

Coronation Power, a London company developing wind energy projects in the UK, wants land at Hogshead Law Hill, Reaps Moss, Britannia, as a possible location for a small wind farm of around six turbines.

The proposed wind farm would have a potential capacity to power 12,000 homes -- approximately 44 per cent of Rossendale's domestic electricity needs.

If Rossendale Council approves test plans, a 60-metre wing speed monitoring mast will be installed for 18 months.

The data, plus other studies, will determine whether the company seeks permission for a wind farm.

The company is seeking comments on the application via a questionnaire available on its website www.coronationpower.com