Ritika Janiya
Residents living near the Scout Moor Windfarm, located between Rossendale and Rochdale in Greater Manchester, are reacting to a new proposal that could make it the largest onshore windfarm in England. Cubico Sustainable Investments has announced plans to extend the existing 26-turbine windfarm by adding 21 more turbines, creating a much larger site. If approved, this extension, named Scout Moor II, would generate enough electricity to power over 100,000 homes and help meet about 10% of Greater Manchester’s domestic energy needs. The expansion would also attract an estimated £200 million of investment.
Background of Scout Moor Windfarm
Scout Moor Windfarm first opened in 2008 and has been a part of the local landscape for many years. Before its construction, the idea of building the windfarm faced opposition from local councils, including Lancashire County Council, Rochdale Council, and Rossendale Council. The initial development process involved a public inquiry, and after receiving objections, the project moved forward. In 2015, there were plans to expand Scout Moor by adding 14 more turbines, but those plans were delayed after facing objections from local residents and some MPs. A government official, Sajid Javid, stepped in and overturned the decision made by Rossendale Council.
Now, Cubico plans to expand the windfarm once again, and this time, the proposal includes 21 new turbines. The project could be operational by 2030, marking the first major onshore wind development in England in over a decade. This expansion is seen as an important step in reducing the country’s reliance on imported fuel and increasing the generation of clean, renewable energy. If the proposal is approved, Scout Moor II will play a significant role in helping the UK reach its clean energy goals.
Potential Benefits of the Expansion
The Scout Moor II windfarm is expected to bring several benefits. One of the biggest advantages is its ability to generate clean, renewable energy. Cubico has stated that the extended windfarm could provide enough electricity to power over 100,000 homes. This would be a major contribution to Greater Manchester’s energy supply and would also help the UK reduce its carbon footprint by using more renewable sources of energy. Wind power is one of the cleanest sources of energy because it does not produce harmful emissions like fossil fuels do.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the expansion could also create a significant amount of economic investment. Cubico estimates that the project will attract £200 million in investment, which could boost the local economy by providing jobs and supporting businesses in the area. This could be especially beneficial in a time when many communities are looking for ways to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the expansion is being seen as an important step in helping the UK achieve its climate goals. With increasing concern about climate change, the UK government has set a target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Projects like Scout Moor II play a crucial role in this effort by helping to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
Local Residents Speak Out
Despite the potential benefits, the expansion of the Scout Moor Windfarm has also raised concerns among local residents. Some people living near the windfarm have expressed concerns about the impact of the new turbines on the landscape and the local environment. However, many residents are not as worried about the visual impact. One local resident, Frances, who has lived in the area for over 40 years, shared her thoughts on the proposal.
Frances, who lives on Scout Road in Edenfield, says that she is not concerned about the visual impact of the proposed windfarm expansion. She explained that she has been living in the area for many years and has grown used to the sight of the existing wind turbines. She also mentioned that she does not mind hearing the occasional “swish, swish” sound of the turbines when they are operating. “It doesn’t bother me too much,” she said. “You occasionally hear the ‘swish, swish’ sound, but that’s it really.”
Frances also noted that the access road built for the existing windfarm has not led to much extra traffic in the area. Since the Scout Moor Quarry was sold, she said that traffic has been minimal. However, she did express concern that the expansion could lead to increased traffic if the access road is used more frequently. “If they were almost doubling the size, I imagine they’d use this road to access the site, which would be a concern for us,” she added.
Concerns from Other Residents
Other residents have also voiced concerns about the expansion, particularly regarding the potential impact on the local environment and the increased traffic that could result from the construction. Many people worry about the disruption that could be caused during the construction phase, as well as the long-term effects of having even more turbines in the area. Some are also concerned about how the expansion might affect local wildlife and the natural beauty of the area.
Despite these concerns, Cubico has emphasized the importance of the project for the future of clean energy in the region. They believe that the Scout Moor II windfarm could play a crucial role in helping Greater Manchester meet its energy needs while also reducing its environmental impact.
The Future of Wind Energy in England
If the plans for Scout Moor II are approved, it will set an important precedent for wind energy in England. The UK has ambitious goals to reduce its carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy, and projects like Scout Moor II are an essential part of achieving these goals. The expansion of the windfarm could lead to more wind energy developments in the future, helping to create a cleaner, greener future for everyone.
In conclusion, while there are some concerns from local residents about the potential impact of the windfarm expansion, many are hopeful about the benefits it will bring in terms of clean energy and economic investment. The proposal for Scout Moor II represents an exciting opportunity for the region and the UK as a whole to embrace renewable energy and take a step closer to a more sustainable future.
