Locals Protest As Windfarm Gets The Go-Ahead

Date published: 26/05/2005

A 26 turbine windfarm has been given the go ahead for Scout Moor and Knowl Hill, following a controversial public inquiry in Rochdale. Confirmation came from Malcolm Wicks, of United Utilities, in his maiden speech as an energy minister.

Wicks said: “Today's approval takes into account the concerns raised, and it includes a number of conditions recommended by the inquiry inspector to mitigate any impact."

"My decision was taken after extensive and thorough consideration of the representations I received, both for and against consent being granted. Having the windfarm will enable us to meet our climate change commitments, and  it will certainly build reliable energy supplies.”

The scheme has been opposed by locals including councillors from the area. Councillor Ann Metcalfe, who is a member of the Friends of Scout and Knowl Moor, and has been campaigning against the windfarm proposal, said: “They are just going to dominate the landscape with the windfarm. What it comes down to is that you are fighting an organisation with a bottomless pit of funds. I'm bitterly disappointed at the decision.”

Other objections raised by the Friends of Scout and Knowl Moor included problems with noise, as they say it would be noticeable to local people. Plus, untouched land will be being “tampered with”, and the windfarm itself will be an eyesore to people who see the hills on a regular basis.

The turbines will measure up at 80m-high,  and will be generating 65 megawatts of electricity, providing electricity for the equivalent of approximately 30,000 homes.

United Utilities has sold its stake in the windfarm.