New Plans for Scout Moor Wind Farm Spark Community Controversy

Plans to expand the Scout Moor wind farm, located north of Manchester, have reignited community debate over renewable energy development in the region. Renewable energy developer Cubico Sustainable Investments aims to replace existing turbines with 17 larger units, each potentially reaching a height of 180 meters, making it the largest onshore wind farm in England. The project, dubbed Scout Moor II, is anticipated to generate 100 MW of clean electricity, enough to power around 100,000 homes annually.

This proposal represents a reduction from the original plan for 21 turbines, which faced significant opposition in previous attempts over the last 15 years. Despite the scaling back, community activists remain unconvinced about the benefits of the new turbines. The proposed site includes areas between Rochdale, Edenfield, and Rawtenstall, which have been the focal point of local resistance.

At the forefront of the opposition is the group Say NO to Scout Moor 2, composed of residents from surrounding areas and local organizations like the Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum and Rossendale Civic Trust. In a recent meeting at the Norden Old Library, members expressed their concerns about the visual impact of the turbines, which they believe could overshadow landmarks such as Blackpool Tower.

The group argues that the proposed height will dominate the landscape, a concern that contributed to the rejection of a previous extension application in 2017. The planning inspector at that time recommended reducing the project significantly due to similar visual impact concerns.

One of the key issues raised by the opposition is the potential destruction of peatland during construction. Activists fear that excavation required to build turbine bases will lead to significant carbon emissions. Alan Billingsley, a spokesperson for the group, remarked on the irreversible damage peatland could suffer, stating, “Once it’s damaged in any way, it releases carbon dioxide and it dies.”

In response, Cubico has committed to restoring ten hectares of peatland for every hectare affected, aiming to rehabilitate 346 hectares of degraded moorland. This restoration plan includes blocking drainage channels and replanting native mosses.

Concerns also loom regarding the promised job creation associated with the wind farm. Billingsley questioned the viability of hundreds of jobs being generated, suggesting that many positions would not benefit the local community. Cubico, however, claims that the construction phase will support approximately 210 full-time jobs, with 60 positions expected to be local.

Local activist Steve Davison expressed skepticism about the financial resources of the Rochdale and Rossendale councils to manage such a large-scale application. He believes that the developer should seek a more suitable location, arguing that the current site is inappropriate for such a significant project.

Cubico plans to fund the £140 million project through private investment from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and PSP Investments, with approximately £50 million earmarked for local economic benefits. Additionally, the developer proposes a Community Wealth Fund worth £20 million over the lifespan of the wind farm, promising an annual allocation of £600,000 tied to inflation.

Despite these commitments, skepticism remains about the management and distribution of the community fund, especially in light of previous unfulfilled promises from similar projects. Activists are concerned that the actual output may fall short of the projected capacity, particularly during periods of low wind.

Cubico is currently awaiting the first round of planning permission to proceed with the project. The company has initiated efforts to collect data on environmental conditions through the installation of a 91-meter meteorological mast, which will provide two years of wind data before construction can commence.

A Cubico spokesperson emphasized the significance of Scout Moor II as a major investment in clean energy, stating that it would deliver England’s first new onshore wind farm in over a decade. The developer anticipates that the project not only promises substantial environmental benefits but also aims to inject millions into the local economy and provide long-term job opportunities.

The community remains divided as the planning process unfolds, with further public consultations and potential modifications to the proposal expected in the months ahead.