Final ruling for Scout Moor wind farm expansion

Scout Moor Wind Farm in the spring

The Secretary of State has announced a final ruling on the controversial expansion of Scout Moor wind farm.

According to The Planner, the official magazine of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Rochdale-born Secretary of State Sajid Javid confirmed his decision made in 2016 to grant permission for two turbines.

Plans to expand Scout Moor to be the largest onshore wind farm in England were overruled by the government in July 2017, rejecting proposals for a further 14 turbines in Rossendale but approved plans for two in Rochdale, ‘subject to conditions’.

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/111144/plans-to-make-scout-moor-the-largest-onshore-wind-farm-in-england-refused

The announcement followed a public inquiry into the planning decision by both Rochdale and Rossendale councils. Scout Moor Wind Farm Expansion Limited (SMWFEL), a joint venture between Peel Energy and Untied Utilities, submitted the plans in 2015 in a hope to extend the existing wind farm. 

Scout Moor wind farm opened in 2008, to much local opposition, and is already the second largest on shore wind farm in the country.

Currently, there are 26 working turbines on the wind farm, which is located above Rochdale and Heywood. 

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/107839/scout-moor-wind-farm-expansion-plan-update

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/95478/plans-submitted-to-extend-scout-moor-windfarm