Scout Moor Wind Farm
The Government has refused planning permission for a massive expansion of the Scout Moor wind farm following a public inquiry.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, turned down planning permission for a further 14 wind turbines on Scout Moor, above Ramsbottom.
The wind farm is already the largest onshore wind farm in England. The plans, if approved, would have taken the whole site to 42 wind turbines.
Mr Javid cited the main issues being the character and appearance of the landscape, and heritage assets as the reasons behind his refusal in that the proposed turbines sited near to the edge of the moor would have a “significant adverse effect on the landscape character and visual amenity”.
Mr Javid did not believe the proposed layout would ‘integrate well’ with the existing turbines as the turbines would infill between the existing ones.
Proposed Scout Moor Wind Farm Extension
The plans drew hundreds of objections from residents, Jake Berry MP (Rossendale) and David Nuttall (then MP for Bury North) together with local Councillors and community groups.
Councillor Ian Bevan gave evidence to the planning inquiry on behalf of Ramsbottom residents objecting to the industrial scale of the proposed wind farm when viewed from Ramsbottom. His speech can be found here: Scout Moor Statement
Further details can be found here:
Cllr Ian Bevan at the Scout Moor Wind Farm Extension Public Inquiry
