On a larger scale, plans for England’s first major onshore wind farm in a decade were submitted in July. Industry-watchers and communities in the area await with interest how the planning process will pan out in the new era.
Global renewable energy investor Cubico is looking to develop Scout Moor II, on land located on the South Pennine Moors between Rossendale and Rochdale.
If approved, the wind farm would generate up to 100MW of clean electricity from 17 turbines, enough to power around 100,000 homes each year. That’s equivalent to around 77 per cent of all households in Rossendale and Rochdale combined.
It would be the largest new onshore wind development in England and the first of its kind to come forward since the planning rules were changed to support new projects.
Peter Rowe, development manager at Cubico, says: “Scout Moor II is a chance for Rossendale and Rochdale to lead the UK into a clean energy future – creating jobs, supporting the local economy and backing Britain by producing secure, homegrown energy.
“We’ve been listening closely to what people have told us during the consultation process, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to engage with us. Their input has shaped a stronger scheme that we believe delivers for local communities and supports national energy goals.
“We understand that new developments like Scout Moor II raise important questions, and that local communities must see real and lasting benefits. We’re committed to working closely with the council, community groups and residents as the process moves forward.”
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, says the importance of the project getting the green light cannot be underestimated.
He says: “Research by Cambridge Econometrics has shown we need around £7bn a year of private sector investment in energy generation technologies across the north if we’re to meet future energy demand, create skilled jobs in supply chains, and fulfil our Net Zero commitments.
“This project will help meet the growing electricity needs of both Lancashire and Greater Manchester over the coming decades to charge electric vehicles, power heat pumps, and support industry.
“As seen in similar projects across the north and in this project specifically, it is possible to strike the right balance between the concerns of local communities and protecting nature while delivering the energy infrastructure we all depend on.”
There will be local opposition. A group calling itself ‘Say No to Scout Moor II’ writes on its website: “We have serious concerns about the Cubico proposal for the development of 17 wind turbines with a maximum blade tip height
Expert View
TURNING ROOFTOPS INTO STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE By Michael Dugdale,
Managing director, Trident
The ‘rooftop revolution’ has the potential to transform both our domestic and commercial landscapes, delivering clean, affordable power right where it’s needed.
We’ve seen first-hand how self-generation has shifted from being a sustainability ‘nice to have’ to a commercial necessity.
For businesses today, it’s about more than environmental credentials. It’s about building resilience, unlocking long-term cost savings, and strengthening their reputation in an increasingly competitive and volatile market.
For many, that means looking seriously at generating power on-site through solar PV, small-scale wind, or even combined heat and power (CHP), depending on the site’s needs.
One example is a further education institute we support. Facing rising energy costs and ambitious carbon targets, they installed solar PV across their facility. The result was a 26 per cent reduction in on-site energy use and a 15 per cent cut in total emissions. The project lowered costs, safeguarded them against market volatility, and became a cornerstone of their net zero strategy.
Solar PV in particular offers a proven, scalable, and cost-effective solution. It reduces reliance on the grid, lowers exposure to price shocks, and delivers measurable savings in both operating costs and carbon emissions.
While the technology is well established, the journey can feel complex. Getting the right technical specification, building a robust financial case, and quantifying the carbon benefit all demand expertise. Without it, projects risk underperforming, delivering lower savings than expected, or failing to integrate into wider energy strategies.
That’s where the right support makes all the difference. The barriers are no longer technical. The economics are compelling, and the benefits are clear. What matters now is the knowledge, planning, and execution that determine whether a project succeeds.
With expert guidance, organisations can move confidently, ensuring self-generation projects stand firmly on their commercial and sustainability merits. Done well, they don’t just generate clean power. They deliver lasting strategic advantage.
in association with
of 180m on our beautiful moorland landscape.
“Two major wind farm developments were rejected for 115m and 125m turbines due to their impact on heritage assets. They would also have severely impacted the environment, views, amenity and enjoyment of the area.
“As such, it is difficult to see how planners would accept a much larger proposal. However, mindful of changes in national planning policy, we must be vigilant and fight this aggressive application.”
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