Cubico unveils next round of public consultation for proposed wind farm in Rossendale and Rochdale

Cubico Sustainable Investments has launched the next round of public consultation on Scout Moor II, a proposed onshore wind farm in Rossendale and Rochdale.

Designed to generate up to 100MW of clean electricity, enough to power 100,000 homes annually, the project represents a major step toward the UK’s renewable energy ambitions while delivering
meaningful environmental and community benefits.

Building on the initial consultation held in November 2024, Cubico has refined its proposals based on further environmental and technical assessments, as well as feedback from local residents, stakeholders and community groups.

Now, Cubico is inviting the public to help shape the final plans before submitting planning applications to Rossendale and Rochdale councils.

In addition to delivering affordable, homegrown renewable energy, Scout Moor II includes a comprehensive moorland restoration programme.

This initiative will focus on restoring degraded peatlands, which play a crucial role in carbon storage, water management, and biodiversity.

Cubico is also committed to delivering long-term benefits through its Community Wealth Fund, which will see a multimillion-pound investment into the local community over the project’s lifetime.

As part of the second stage consultation, Cubico is seeking feedback on its Community Benefit Charter which sets out how Cubico will invest in the local area through the fund, engage with the community, and create opportunities for local people and businesses.

Cubico will also establish an independent Community Development Trust which will manage the fund and ensure its directed where local communities feel it will have the greatest impact.

The fund itself has also been enhanced since the first consultation including an increased starting contribution of £6,000 per MW per year.

It will also be tied to the success of the wind farm and index-linked, ensuring long term support and security for the community.

Peter Rowe, development manager at Cubico said: “Scout Moor II is about more than just delivering clean energy. It’s about creating real, lasting benefits for both local residents and the environment. Alongside powering up to 100,000 homes, we are committed to restoring and protecting many hectares of degraded moorland, improving biodiversity, and creating long-term economic benefits.

"Our multi-million pound Community Wealth Fund will help support local jobs, invest in the area, and fund community projects – making sure that the people who live here see meaningful benefits from hosting this wind farm.”

The upcoming second round of consultation will run from Tuesday 25th March to Tuesday 29th April, featuring:

• Public exhibitions to showcase detailed plans, including visual representations of the wind farm, as well as an opportunity for residents to meet the project team.
• Online webinars on key topics of interest where residents can hear from technical experts.
• Opportunities for feedback on the updated Community Benefit Charter, which outlines Cubico’s commitment to invest in the local area, engage with the community and create opportunities for local people and businesses.

For further details on consultation events and to submit feedback, visit www.scoutmoor2.co.uk