England’s first major onshore wind farm in a decade submitted by Cubico

Cubico has submitted plans for Scout Moor II, a proposed onshore wind farm located on the South Pennine Moors between Rossendale and Rochdale.

If approved, the wind farm would generate up to 100MW of clean electricity from 17 turbines, enough to power around 100,000 homes each year. That’s equivalent to around 77 per cent of all households in Rossendale and Rochdale combined.

 Scout Moor II would be the largest new onshore wind development in England and the first of its kind to come forward since planning rules were changed to support new projects. It marks a significant step in helping the country meet its climate goals, reduce reliance on imported energy, and unlock the full potential of homegrown renewables.

But the project is about more than just clean electricity. Alongside the wind farm, Cubico is also proposing the delivery of a major moorland restoration scheme, among the largest of its kind in Northern England.

This will focus on improving and protecting the unique peatland across the site, rewetting the moor, restoring native vegetation, and improving habitats for local wildlife.

 The restoration works will cover more than ten times the area utilised for turbine infrastructure and will help the land store more carbon, reduce local flood risk, and preserve the moor for future generations.

Peter Rowe, development manager at Cubico said: “Scout Moor II is a chance for Rossendale and Rochdale to lead the UK into a clean energy future – creating jobs, supporting the local economy and backing Britain by producing secure, homegrown energy.

"We’ve been listening closely to what people have told us during the consultation process, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to engage with us. Their input has shaped a stronger scheme that we believe delivers for local communities and supports national energy goals.

"We understand that new developments like Scout Moor II raise important questions, and that local communities must see real and lasting benefits. We’re committed to working closely with the Council, community groups and residents as the process moves forward.”

 Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “Research by Cambridge Econometrics has shown we need around £7bn a year of private sector investment in energy generation technologies across the North if we’re to meet future energy demand, create skilled jobs in supply chains, and fulfil our Net Zero commitments.

 “This project will help meet the growing electricity needs of both Lancashire and Greater Manchester over the coming decades to charge electric vehicles, power heat pumps, and support industry.

"Onshore wind will help cut bills by reducing our reliance on gas, which, as the war in Ukraine demonstrated, leaves families and businesses vulnerable to global price shocks.

"As seen in similar projects across the North and in this project specifically, it is possible to strike the right balance between the concerns of local communities and protecting nature while delivering the energy infrastructure we all depend on.”

Pete Rowe spoke at Lancashire Business View's Net Zero Carbon Conference at Crow Wood Hotel in June about the scheme.

He told delegates about plans to share revenue with the local community adding: "If the wind farms do well, the community should also do well".

A long-term Community Wealth Fund has also been proposed, delivering £20 million over the lifetime of the wind farm.

It would offer a guaranteed £600,000 per year, linked to inflation, and based on £6,000 per MW of installed capacity. If three per cent of the wind farm’s gross annual revenue exceeds this amount, the higher figure will be paid instead. This ensures the community benefits directly from the project’s ongoing success.

The fund will be managed by a newly formed and independent Scout Moor Development Trust, chaired by a Community Liaison Group made up of local representatives.

Its purpose is clear: to invest in community priorities chosen by local people whether that’s improving green spaces, restoring heritage, supporting families with the cost of living, backing local businesses or providing training and opportunities to young people.

The plans submitted reflect two rounds of public consultation held across Lancashire and Greater Manchester where residents, community groups and stakeholders shared their views on the project. This feedback has helped to shape several changes to the proposals which include improved site access plans and an enhanced Community Wealth Fund.

 Scout Moor II would be co-located with the existing Scout Moor wind farm, making use of established infrastructure and grid connections. This approach reduces environmental disruption and ensures greater efficiency.

If approved, the scheme would contribute towards the UK’s target to triple onshore wind capacity by 2030 and bring significant investment to the Rossendale and Rochdale areas.

 Cubico is working closely with both Rossendale Borough Council and Rochdale Borough Council to ensure prompt validation of the applications and further information including reference numbers will be published in due course.

Further public consultation and engagement will take place as part of the planning process, and the proposals may be updated based on feedback from both statutory consultees and local communities.

For further details about the project, please visit www.scoutmoor2.co.uk