CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a huge wind farm on moorland above Darwen look set to be unveiled later this year.

Electricity company PowerGen has won a Government contract to build a wind farm on the West Pennine Moors at White Hill.

The wind farm is likely to include 15 towers each more than 200 feet high with rotor blades 144 feet across.

The turbines would be more than twice as high as similar devices at Coal Clough Farm in Cliviger.

The move is likely to result in a storm of protest in Darwen with local people opposing the move. Earlier plans for a similar scheme caused uproar in the town.

The project in Cliviger and proposals for a wind farm in Ribble Valley also sparked protest from councillors and residents.

Darwen councillor Paul Browne said: "We went up to see these things in Burnley and they are an eyesore.

"We already have to put up with radio masts everywhere why should we have to put up with these things as well.

"I certainly will be opposed to any wind farms. Why should we have to put up with them in Darwen?" PowerGen has been awarded a contract from the Government to build a wind farm in the borough even though the company does not have planning permission.

Recent laws have forced power companies to look for environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels.

And the firm has picked out a privately owned site on the moorland to build its farm. The site is near to North West Water property and on a conservation site.

Town hall bosses have been in touch with PowerGen to try and find out what the company's plans involve.

PowerGen has revealed a planning application will be lodged with the council once the final technical details have been worked out.

Planning officials are expecting the company to formally apply for planning permission by the end of the year.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is planning to ask pressure groups and nearby residents for their views on the wind farm.

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