MP backs Crook Hill wind farm protesters

Councillor Peter Evans and MP Paul Rowen on Crook Hill, the proposed wind farm site

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is backing the Friends of the South Pennines in their objections to the proposed Wind Farm on Crook Hill. Speaking after a meeting with the Friends at Littleborough Coachhouse, Mr Rowen said that he had concerns over both the environmental and visual impact of the wind turbines and that he would write formally to Rochdale Council stating his objections to the proposed development. Speaking in his role as a Littleborough Councillor, the Mayor of Rochdale, Peter Evans welcomed the MP's support.

The Rochdale MP said: “I have met with both Coronation Power who submitted the planning application to site 12 giant wind turbines at one of our Pennines beauty spots. I am not a NIMBY and neither are the Friends of the South Pennines. The fact is that these turbines will have a massive visual impact on the area, being 410 feet high and with an individual blade length of over 200 feet.

“I am aware that United Utilities have submitted a formal objection to the plan. This is because of the impact the turbines will have on the Borough’s water supply. Removing so much peat destroys our natural habitat for, in my view, minimal energy. As the recent BBC Radio 4 programme demonstrated, without Government subsidies the Carbon costs do not add up. I will be writing formally to our Council to state my objections.”

Littleborough Councillor Peter Evans said: “There is a real concern about a number of issues. Not least of which how the local roads in Shore could cope during the construction phase. These are expensive symbols without doing much to contribute to the nation’s energy supply. They will destroy the South Pennine environment that we all benefit from. I welcome Paul’s support who will take this debate about renewables further in Parliament.”