MAJOR proposals for wind farms in East Lancashire have been allowed by a government planning inspector following a lengthy public inquiry.

Moors above Bacup and Todmorden will be affected by the decision, announced today by the Communities Secretary John Denham.

Six appeals by Coronation Power, for land at Reaps Moss, near Bacup, Crook Hill, near Rochdale, and off the A681 between Clough Foot and Sharney Ford, have been allowed.

Only one appeal, against a failure by Calderdale council to determine plans for five wind turbines at Todmorden Moor, was dismissed.

The Reaps Moss appeals related to a failure by Rossendale council to decide on proposals for three wind turbines, a meteorological mast and associated tracks.

Lawyers representing Rossendale, Rochdale and Calderdale councils, argued that the masts spoiled the outlook for local residents.

But agents for Coronation Power, while conceding there would be a significant environmental impact on the moors, felt the ecological benefits would eventually outweigh those fears.

Civil servant Julian Pitt, announcing the decision on behalf of Mr Denham, said that the minister agreed with the inspector that the erection of turbines at Reaps Moss would not harm the openness of the green belt.

Mr Pitt added: “He has (also) had regard to government policy which attaches particular significant importance to the need to tackle climate change and the role that the exploitation of renewable energy technologies can have.”

Mr Denham was also convinced that the turbines would make a “limited but valuable contribution” to national energy supplies.

The minister also accepted, particularly in the case of Reaps Moss, that there may be a potential impact on the local badger population.

Councils concerned now have six weeks to apply to the High Court against the Secretary of State’s decision.

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