Spectacular windfarm generates controversy

HARNESSING nature . . . the wind farm near Ramsbottom viewed from Oldham Civic Centre

THE biggest wind farm in England has officially opened after years of planning controversy — and it is can be seen from Oldham.

The 26 turbines — which stand more than 300ft high on Scout Moor, between Rochdale and Rossendale — can be seen from certain vantage points in the borough.

This stunning picture wastaken from Oldham Civic Centre by Chronicle photographer Anthony Miller and shows how the turbines have altered views of the hills.

Residents of Rossendale, Rochdale and Lancashire councils had objected, with TV presenter and environmentalist David Bellamy calling the giant structures a “blot on the landscape”.

But after a public inquiry in 2005 the £50 million project was given the go-ahead.

The wind farm, operated by the Peel Group, went into production last week and has already produced more than 4,000 MWh of electricity to be exported to the National Grid. It will produce enough electricity to power 40,000 homes.

Richard Dibley, Peel Energy’s development manager, said: “It has been quite a journey from the day the site was first identified and we’d like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way.

“I am delighted this scheme is now complete. Schemes such as Scout Moor Wind Farm demonstrate the effectiveness of wind farms.”

The company says the project will help the government to meet its targets for reducing carbon emissions.

Objections by the Friends of Scout and Knowl Moor included problems with increased traffic, damage to an untouched landscape and the noise of the turbines as their blades turned in the wind.

An open day tomorrow will allow the public to go on tours of the site.