RESIDENTS fighting plans to site two wind turbines above Edgworth have launched their battle to save the open moorland from development.

Legal representatives for Edgworth Against Turbines, a group of local residents, joined cousel for Blackburn with Darwen borough to oppose the plans during the first day of a four-day public inquiry.

The hearing is at the Barlow Institute, Edgworth, where government inspector Dave Cullingford will take in evidence for and against the 95-metre high wind turbines proposed for Uglow Farm, Broadhead Road.

Angus and Julia Dootson, of Uglow Farm, had their application for their scheme, which would be run by Cornwall Light Power, refused by the council in October 2004.

Under the scheme, they would receive money as part of a Government initiative to encourage renewable energy.

The council believed that due to the size and siting of the turbines there would be an adverse impact on the character and landscape of the area.

During the inquiry Ruth Stockley, for the council, said it was not opposed to wind turbines in the borough and was aware of the benefits of renewable energy. But she added: "The visual impact will be entirely unacceptable. The moorland acts as a backdrop for a number of settlements in this area and determine the number of views for areas such as Haslingden, Helmshore, Edgworth and Hoddlesden.

"There will be vertical features of industrial design projecting above the skyline."

David Hardy, counsel for the appellants, pointed out the importance of government targets towards renewable energy and the council's responsibility towards generating 10 per cent of UK electricity in renewable sources by 2010.

He said: "This is in the right place at the right time."

The inquiry is expected to last until Friday when the inspector will also visit the proposed site.