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

By Rob Kelly

30 Jul 2025

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

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Double digit promotions across Napthens Group 10 promotions at Napthens Group

Double digit promotions across Napthens Group

03 Oct 2025

2

Tourism Unsung Hero finalists revealed Jenny Moss Kate Pollard Peter Martland Andy Black

Tourism Unsung Hero finalists revealed

01 Oct 2025

3

Basil's in the pink Basil Newby

Basil's in the pink

30 Sep 2025

4

Celebrating the Women building Britain’s business future at The Enterprise Vision Awards The 2025 Enterprise Vision Award winners

Celebrating the Women building Britain’s business future at The Enterprise Vision Awards

30 Sep 2025

5

Business School recruits three industry leaders University of Lancashire recruit business leaders Rob Binns, Miranda Barker and Marcello Trovati new

Business School recruits three industry leaders

30 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – October
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 Oct 2025 - 07 Oct 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – October

Soul Bowl, Morecambe, LA4 4BU

08:00 - 10:00

The Future of Work: Tech, teams and thriving in a changing world
Oct PTC.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
07 Oct 2025 - 07 Oct 2025

The Future of Work: Tech, teams and thriving in a changing world

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

HR Recharge: Empowering today’s workforce, transforming tomorrow’s workplace
Muted Blue (4).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
08 Oct 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

HR Recharge: Empowering today’s workforce, transforming tomorrow’s workplace

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:30

Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West
Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West event
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West

Forbes Solicitors, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit Centre, PR5 6AW, PR6 6AW

08:00 - 10:00

Empowering franchise growth in the North West
TFA Event - Empowering Franchise Growth.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

Empowering franchise growth in the North West

Forbes Solicitors Sceptre Way Walton Summit Centre , Preston, PR5 6AW

08:00 - 10:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin