Wind farm expansion public inquiry set to start

PLANS to create the largest onshore wind farm in England – sparking protest from famous environmentalist David Bellamy – go to a public inquiry today.

Peel Energy and United Utilities was to add 16 more turbines at Scout Moor, between Rochdale and Rossdendale.

Permission has been granted by councils in both towns, but the Government has insisted on a an inquiry.

A decision is not expected until next year with the hearing taking place at Futures Park in Bacup is expected to take about a week.

Bellamy and other opponents say the wind farm will impact negatively on the area, saying it would be a blot on the landscape.

It was built in 2008 with 26 wind turbines which it is claimed generates renewable electricity for 40,000 homes.

Developer Peel Energy have wanted to expand the site for a number of years – and after scaling down original plans to double the size of it – they settled on an extra 16 wind turbines.