A CONTROVERSIAL monitoring mast which could be the first step towards a Ribble Valley wind farm has been set up - without planning permission.

Residents are campaigning against the initial stages of the wind farm project on Longridge Fell.

They say the 40 metre mast has been erected on land at Moor Game Hall Farm before the council's planning committee has even discussed the plans.

Mr Geoff Payne, who lives at nearby Lennox Farm, is outraged at the whole project, which would first see a monitoring mast on the fell for 12 months and then, possibly, a four-turbine wind farm erected in an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A spokesman from Ribble Valley Council's planning department said: "There is little we can do at this stage if the applicants have decided to pre-judge the council's decision on whether it will grant permission for the monitoring mast or not.

"All we can do is wait for the matter to be put before the planning committee at the beginning of March.

"If the committee then decide to refuse permission we can take enforcement action for the removal of the mast."

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