Wind Farm Expansion Faces Resistance on Scout Moor

Scout Moor has 26 wind turbines already. There’s a plan named ‘Scout Moor II’ that proposes installing 21 bigger turbines nearby. Cubico says the new turbines could power 100,000 homes yearly, which is about 10% of Greater Manchester’s needs. Locals, however, feel like they’ve seen this before.

Two decades ago, the first wind farm plan caused problems. Now, a group called ‘Say NO to Scout Moor 2’ opposes the new turbines. They worry about Cubico’s plan and its potential effects, believing the turbines are too tall and will harm the valley. Furthermore, they doubt the environmental benefits.

Alan Billingsley speaks for “Say NO to Scout Moor 2”, expressing people’s worry about the “monster windfarm” with each turbine reaching 180m in height. He says the turbines will hurt the landscape and damage the local heritage, adding that everyone wants a healthy planet. However, he doubts this wind farm will help much.

Digging up peat for concrete could worsen emissions. He is also concerned about water and potential flooding, fearing noise near the historic Cotton Famine Road. Moreover, he wonders about local farms and the skylarks’ song, as some locals remember the first wind farm fight.

The first plan by Peel faced similar opposition, with people fearing concrete’s damage to the peatlands. They even had David Bellamy’s help back then. Despite the protests, the first wind farm got approved and construction started in 2007. This new plan marks the third expansion attempt.

A plan to double the wind farm failed in 2011, and a smaller plan also got rejected in 2015. Government rules slowed wind farm projects then, but these rules changed, allowing this new project. Now, Scout Moor II is a major project, supported by growing interest in green power.

Past promises of funding were not kept, which makes people distrust new promises. The group worries about end-of-life turbines, with Alan Billingsley asking about turbine disposal. He fears a “rotting landscape” later, as Cubico reportedly won’t remove the turbine bases.

Cubico says the wind farm could open by 2030, claiming it could create jobs and investment. A consultation with locals will happen, focusing on the turbine’s size. Details about the turbines will come later, with most turbines planned for the moorland’s east.

Cubico says the new wind farm runs separately. The total Scout Moor turbine number would reach 47 and the next step is the full planning applications. Rochdale and Rossendale councils will need to review the plan to advise on environmental impacts before full permission.

Cubico states they will have a second consultation. They will present updates and address restoration, focusing on renewable projects and balance. Their plans will help achieve green energy, cut carbon emissions and strengthen security. Protecting peatland is a priority for Cubico.

Extensive restoration is planned, along with a community fund. Cubico encourages residents to participate and deliver benefits.