Mill conversion plans thrown out

Plans to change Rakewood Upper Mill into a renewable energy centre, including the installation of roof mounted solar panels and the erection of a 30 metre high wind turbine, on land to the east of the mill, have been rejected.

Proposals regarding the conversion were thrown out at a meeting of the Pennines Township planning committee.

A report before Councillors recommended that the plans are given the go ahead, subject to conditions, but members disagreed.

The proposal was for the mill to be changed into a renewable energy centre which would be powered by ground source heat generation, hydro power generation, solar photovoltaic power generation and wind turbine power generation.

The application received 18 letters of objection and 11 letters of support. A letter objecting to the proposal has also been received from the Littleborough Civic Trust.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/66568/bid-to-turn-mill-into-renewable-energy-centre