A PUBLIC inquiry will rule on a controversial plan to site a wind farm on moors north of Bury.

Rossendale Council's planning committee rejected the application on Tuesday to build 26 turbines on Scout Moor, Edenfield and Knowle Moor in Rochdale.

Although Rochdale Council and Lancashire County Council still have to give their verdicts on the application, just one objection by the statutory consultees, one of whom is Rossendale, means a public inquiry into the plans must now be held.

Rossendale Council's planning committee objected to the application because of the impact the windmills would have on views, the moors, and the potential noise generated by the farm.

Friends of Scout Moor, who are opposed to the plans by United Utilities, are now to start a fund-raising drive to pay for legal representation at the inquiry, which will be held sometime next year.

Mr Paul Hunt, Scout Moor Wind Farm project manager, said: "We were expecting this decision and it is not really a surprise to us. The council has missed an opportunity to be at the forefront of the renewable energy debate. The wind farm would provide clean green energy to 51,000 homes. Some people are concerned about the impact of wind farms but we cannot do nothing.

"We are confident our plans will stand up to scrutiny."