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Scout Moor Windfarm Expansion (SMWFEL) is reducing the size of its planned expansion to the Scout Moor Windfarm, from 26 planned turbines to 16, in response to public feedback, it said today.
This will reduce the generating capacity of the proposed windfarm expansion to less than 50MW meaning the project will no longer be a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
SMWFEL, a joint venture company between Peel Energy and United Utilities, held consultation events and exhibitions in July and August which raised concerns with the local public and community groups over the number and location of the proposed turbines. Concerns were raised particularly over the impact of the turbines on important recreational routes and areas of deep peat on the moor.
As well as reducing the number of proposed turbines, SMWFEL will also relocate the some of the remaining new turbines from the northeast and northwest of the existing windfarm site. It will also increase the distance between the turbines and important recreational routes.
The existing Scout Moor Windfarm is situated on open moorland north of Greater Manchester and has an installed capacity of 65 MW from 26 turbines. It is owned by MEAG, part of MunichRe.
Peel Energy’s development director for wind, Jon England said: “We received some really useful feedback and have changed our expansion plans in response. We’re now seeking feedback on our new proposals prior to submitting our planning application to Rochdale and Rossendale Borough Councils early next year.”
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