THE expansion of a controversial windfarm on the Rossendale moors is unlikely to be fought by the majority of residents.

An application has been submitted by United Utilities and Peel Energy for 16 wind turbines at Scout Moor windfarm near Edenfield – scaled back from the original figure of 26.

However these 16 ‘super’ turbines will be 115m high – 15 metres taller than the existing 26 turbines.

Paul Bradburn, chairman of the Edenfield Village Residents Association, said he didn’t have the energy to fight the latest submission.

He said: “The application is to add turbines which are 50ft bigger than the existing ones.

“We opposed the windfarm when it first came several years ago and fought a campaign and took it to a public enquiry. This time around, personally I’m not going to bother because I believe the decision has already been made. It took a lot of time, effort and energy and I don’t have the appetite to do it again this time .”

Darryl Smith, Eden ward councillor, said he was against windfarms but said it was likely that an expansion would be approved.

He said: “Peel Energy were looking for 26 wind turbines initially and that has been scaled back to 16 which is positive news. I don’t like windfarms and I’m opposed to wind energy. I don’t want any expansion of the windfarm but I think it’s likely that we will because a precedent has been set.

“Although I don’t want it, Peel Energy have been exceptional at dealing with people’s complaints and queries this time around.

“I’m not a fan of windfarms. If it was a clear choice between having them or not, I would choose not. But the likelihood is that there will be an expansion up there and at least Peel Energy are listening to concerns .”

Next Tuesday and Wednesday ‘meet the buyer’; events will be held at Rossendale Futures Park and Rochdale Town Hall respectively to offer businesses the chance to invest in the proposed expansion .

To register your interest and/or book a place at a Meet the Buyer Event visit scoutmoorwindfarm, e-mail meetthebuyer@scoutmoorwindfarm.co.uk or call 0161 629 8415.