Wind farm developers accused of misinformation

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 18 December 2008

The developers behind controversial plans to build a wind farm at Crook Hill in Littleborough have been accused of 'misinformation' by Rochdale MP Paul Rowen.

Coronation Power recently appealed a decision by the council to refuse planning permission for wind turbines at the site.

Mr Rowen has written to Communities and Local Government secretary Hazel Blears, saying that the developers have misled the public by making it appear as if they would be constructing one big wind farm, across Crook Hill, Todmorden Moor and Reaps Moss, by amalgamating planning applications for the three sites into one.

The Department for Communities and Local Government concluded that the proposed development was of particular ‘national interest’ and placed it in recovery. The appeal decision on the matter now lies with Hazel Blears.

The Rochdale MP told Ms Blears MP: "The Planning Inspectorate has now agreed that the proposals are for three separate farms separated by considerable social infrastructure, I am writing to urge you to bear this very important aspect in mind when considering the appeal.”