DEVELOPERS who want to double the size of England’s largest on-shore wind farm will start public consultations about the project within a fortnight.

Scout Moor Wind Farm Expansion Ltd, a joint venture between United Utilities and Peel Energy, will visit four Rossendale towns and villages in an attempt to convince residents about the merits of the controversial expansion.

The firm wants to double the number of 100m tall turbines on Scout Moor from 26 to 52.

Energy bosses will visit venues in Bacup, Rawtenstall, Edenfield and Whitworth to show off their plans, which have already been dismissed by some residents’ groups. Visitors will be able to view an interactive computer model that shows how the turbines would look.

Information will also be available about the expected environmental impact of the expansion, as well as a fund which would see the wind farm’s owners make donations to causes in the Valley.

Jon England, from Peel Energy, said: “Environmental and technical studies continue to suggest that open areas to the north of the site, and within the existing turbines, could accommodate turbines without impacting people living in the surrounding areas.”

The consultations will take place at The Riverside Civic Hall, Market Street, Whitworth, from 2pm to 4pm on June 24; Edenfield Community Centre, off Exchange Street, Edenfield, from 5pm to 7pm on June 25; Rawtenstall Cricket Club, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, from 5pm to 7pm on June 26; and Bacup Hub, Burnley Road, Bacup, from 9am to midday on June 27.

Todmorden, Norden, Rochdale and Bury will also be consulted.