Ritika Janiya
In the quiet countryside between Rossendale and Rochdale lies the Scout Moor Windfarm, a site with 26 tall wind turbines that have stood since 2008, providing clean energy to the area. Now, there’s a proposal to expand it and make it the largest onshore windfarm in England. Cubico Sustainable Investments, the company behind this project, aims to add another 21 turbines, increasing the windfarm’s size and power significantly. If approved, the newly expanded windfarm could generate enough clean electricity to power over 100,000 homes, meeting around 10% of the domestic energy needs of Greater Manchester.
The Plan for Scout Moor II
Cubico’s proposal, named “Scout Moor II,” is expected to bring about £200 million in investment. According to Cubico, this new project would not only contribute to local energy needs but also help reduce the UK’s reliance on imported fuels. The plan is still in the early stages and requires the approval of the local councils in Rossendale and Rochdale. If everything goes smoothly, the company hopes the expanded windfarm could be operational by 2030, making it one of the first major onshore wind projects in England in over a decade.
Cubico believes the site’s location makes it one of the best places in England for wind energy production. Positioned on high ground with steady wind, Scout Moor has excellent conditions for generating electricity from wind power. This project would support the UK’s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy. In addition, the extra turbines would create local jobs and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding communities during construction and ongoing operations.
A History of Scout Moor Windfarm
The original Scout Moor Windfarm project wasn’t without controversy. It opened in 2008, following a public inquiry that addressed the objections from local councils and some community members. Then, in 2015, Rossendale Borough Council initially approved an expansion to add 14 more turbines. However, this decision faced considerable opposition from residents and local Members of Parliament (MPs). Eventually, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, stepped in and overturned the council’s approval, halting the expansion. This past experience has left some residents concerned about how another expansion might affect their lives and the natural landscape they value.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
Local residents near the windfarm have shared their thoughts on this new proposed expansion. Some are in favor, recognizing the benefits of renewable energy, while others are worried about the potential impact on their daily lives.
Frances, a long-time resident of Edenfield who lives close to the windfarm on Scout Road, has mixed feelings. She has lived in the area for over 40 years and remembers when the original windfarm was built. “They had to build an access road to reach the site back then, but that hasn’t caused too much traffic,” she said. Since the nearby quarry was sold, she explained, traffic has actually been quite light.
Frances isn’t particularly concerned about the visual impact of the expanded windfarm. “From my home, I think it will be more visible on the Whitworth side of the hills, so it doesn’t really bother me much,” she said. As for the noise, she shared that the sound is usually limited to a soft “swish, swish” from the spinning turbines, which she’s gotten used to over the years. However, she is a bit worried about the possibility of increased traffic if the access road is used again during construction.
Not all residents are as accepting, though. For some, the idea of having more turbines in their view is concerning, as they worry it could change the natural landscape that they cherish. The beauty of the moors, the peace, and the views have drawn people to this area for years, and some residents fear the expansion could impact the region’s appeal.
Environmental and Economic Benefits of the Expansion
Cubico has emphasized the positive effects the expanded windfarm could have for both the environment and the economy. Wind energy is one of the cleanest forms of power, producing no carbon emissions while generating electricity. By increasing the number of turbines at Scout Moor, the windfarm could significantly reduce reliance on non-renewable sources of energy in the region.
For Greater Manchester, this project could be a major step toward achieving local and national climate goals. With energy prices rising and climate change becoming more urgent, having a large source of renewable power nearby could benefit residents by keeping energy costs stable and reducing environmental harm.
In addition to the environmental impact, the project promises to boost the local economy. The construction phase alone would create job opportunities, from building the turbines to maintaining the equipment. The investment could also lead to improvements in local infrastructure, which might benefit residents even after construction is complete.
Next Steps for Scout Moor II
Before the expansion can begin, Cubico must first gain approval from Rossendale and Rochdale councils. If the councils support the project, it will then need to meet various planning and environmental requirements to move forward. Local officials and residents will likely have the chance to voice their opinions, as they did with the previous expansion proposal in 2015.
The proposal is part of a larger trend in the UK toward renewable energy projects. While offshore windfarms have seen rapid growth, onshore projects like Scout Moor II are less common due to community concerns and planning challenges. If Scout Moor II is approved, it could signal a shift toward more onshore wind developments in England.
A Future with Clean Energy
With Scout Moor II, Cubico aims to help build a greener future for England by providing clean, renewable power to tens of thousands of homes. By 2030, if all goes according to plan, the expanded windfarm could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting local energy independence.
For some residents, the prospect of living near England’s largest onshore windfarm is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future. For others, it’s a reminder of the trade-offs that come with large-scale energy projects. As the approval process unfolds, these voices will be important in shaping the future of renewable energy in this part of England.
