Scout Moor II would be the UK’s biggest onshore wind farm as plans are tabled

Long-awaited plans for England’s largest onshore windfarm have now officially been tabled.

Long-awaited plans for England’s largest onshore windfarm have now officially been tabled.

Scout Moor II, located on the South Pennine Moors between Rossendale and Rochdale, would see 17 wind turbines built just north of Rochdale. The wind farm would be able to generate up to 100MW of clean electricity, enough to power around 100,000 homes annually, according to developers.

Cubico Sustainable Investments, the energy company behind the plans, say the amount of electricity generated could power around 77 per cent of all households in Rossendale and Rochdale combined.

Scout Moor sits between Rochdale, Edenfield, and Rawtenstall and is already home to 26 wind turbines. The new wind farm would see bigger, more powerful turbines created, with the ability to generate more electricity than any other onshore wind farm in the country.

This scheme is the first of its kind to come forward since planning rules were changed to support new projects. The previous Conservative government brought in new planning rules that effectively ruled out new onshore wind farm developments back in 2015, which has since been eased.

Cubico says these plans mark a significant step in helping the country meet its climate goals, reduce reliance on imported energy, and unlock the full potential of homegrown renewables.

Despite this, there are concerns logically about the scheme from the campaign group ‘Say NO to Scout Moor 2’. They believe these new turbines will be higher than Blackpool Tower, dominate the valley, and provide little benefit to the environment.

The campaigners fear the high level of concrete used to keep the turbines standing would cause irreversible damage to the peatlands in the area.

In response to these concerns, Cubico is also proposing the delivery of a major moorland restoration scheme. This will focus on improving and protecting the unique peatland across the site, rewetting the moor, restoring native vegetation, and improving habitats for local wildlife.

Peter Rowe, development manager at Cubico said: “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.”

A long-term Community Wealth Fund has also been proposed, delivering £20 million over the lifetime of the wind farm. It would offer a guaranteed £600,000 per year, linked to inflation, and based on £6,000 per MW of installed capacity. 

If three per cent of the wind farm’s gross annual revenue exceeds this amount, the higher figure will be paid instead. This ensures the community benefits directly from the project’s ongoing success.

The fund will be managed by a newly formed and independent Scout Moor Development Trust, chaired by a community liaison group made up of local representatives. Its purpose is to invest money back into the local community.

If approved by Rochdale and Rossendale councils, the scheme would contribute towards the UK’s target to triple onshore wind capacity by 2030 and bring significant investment to the area, says Cubico.