A PLAN to expand England’s second biggest onshore wind farm has been officially submitted.

Scout Moor Wind Farm Expansion Ltd, a joint venture between United Utilities and the land’s co-owners, Peel Energy, want to build another 16 turbines between Rawtenstall and Edenfield.

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Applications have been submitted to both Rochdale and Rossendale borough councils for approval.

The move comes after plans to double the size of the wind farm were scaled back after Rossendale residents objected at the end of last year.

The owners had sought to build a further 26 turbines but agreed to add just 16 after a public consultation.

Peel Energy said at the time that the downsized wind farm, which would reduce the generating capacity to less than 50MW, meant the project would no longer be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.

Scout Moor became operational in 2008 and could produce enough electricity for the average annual needs of approximately 40,000 homes through its 25-year lifespan.

It was given the go-ahead in May 2005 after a public inquiry.

In a statement to Rossendale Council a spokesman for Turley Planning, acting on behalf of the owners, said: “The development will build upon the success of the existing Scout Moor wind farm in a manner that is sensitive to the local environment while making a significant contribution to ensuring national security of energy supply and decarbonisation of supply.

“It will also deliver a number of economic, social and environmental benefits for the local area and more widely.

“The proposals will also deliver enhanced recreational facilities upon the moor, local economic benefits, a Community Benefit Fund and the opportunity for the local community to invest in the project.”

Councillor Christine Lamb, a member of Rossendale Borough Council, said: “I think if the plan is approved, it will be the end of the expansion.”