PHONES giant BT has unveiled plans which could see the building of Pendle’s first commercial wind farm.

Bosses at the telecommunication firm are looking at three sites across the north west, including farmland near Higham, to form part of a national network of turbines.

A report, showing how four urban wind turbines could be installed there, has been submitted to Pendle Council and a planning application could follow, depending on discussion with planners.

Villagers in Higham want more details about the scheme and parish councillors debated the issue last night.

Under the proposed scheme the turbines will be installed in countryside off Barrowford Road, between Greenhead Lane and Pendle Hall Plantation.

The land is near the villages of Higham, Fence and Reedley Hallows.

As part of BT’s environmental programme, the firm is looking to generate around a quarter of its own energy needs from land-based wind farms.

The other locations being examined are said to be at Heysham and in Cumbria.

BT wind farm chief Tom Martin said: “We are committed to cutting its carbon emissions and reducing the amount of electricity purchased from non-renewable sources.

“We will engage and consult local communities and other organisations throughout the planning process.”

BT stressed the plans are still at an early stage and that a ‘scoping’ report had been submitted to planners in Pendle.