Wind farm expansion could ‘provide equivalent of town’s electricity supply’

Scout Moor wind farm

A proposed expansion to the Scout Moor wind farm could have the potential to deliver the equivalent of the domestic electricity supply for the whole of Rochdale, a top boss from Peel Energy has told Councillors.

In August Peel Energy revealed that they were proposing an expansion to the site and said there would be “sufficient land available to more than double the output of the site.”

In a presentation about the proposed expansion, Development Director Jon England, told Councillors that since the wind farm was opened in 2008 it has generated the equivalent of 40 per cent of Rochdale’s electricity supply. If plans to expand are given the go ahead the equivalent would be that of the entire town.

Mr England said that Scout Moor is a “proven location for high wind.”

If a wind farm extension were to take place, Peel Energy says that a substantial community benefit fund would be set up that could be accessed by the community to finance local projects and good causes. A co-operative ownership scheme is also being considered that would offer members of the local community the opportunity to gain a stake and a return on investment in the wind farm.

Peel say that an expansion to the wind farm also offers opportunities to improve areas of heavily degraded peat moor as well as protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat areas and water quality sources on Scout Moor through new funding schemes similar to the existing Habitat Enhancement Plan fund.

Mr England said that existing road access will be used and expanding Scout Moor limits the need of proliferation in the South Pennines.

Councillor Ian Duckworth slammed the expansion saying: “This is about the mega bucks, not the mega watts.”

Whilst Councillor David Clayton said the plans “100 per cent had his support.”

Councillor Wera Hobhouse said she had a “middle view” and said the plans should be “embraced.”

Councillor Ann Metcalfe who campaigned for the current turbines not to be installed said it was “devastating that the whole landscape would be destroyed again.” But said she is “sensible enough to realise it will get through” and she “hopes people will be able to benefit” from the expansion.

The presentation comes ahead of the first phase of consultation which is due to start at the end of the month. Dates will be announced next week. There will then be two subsequent consultation phases.

The application for development consent will ultimately be submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission, or its successor, the Major Infrastructure Planning Unit, for determination.

The application could be ready for submission within 18 months.