Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum
Working together to protect and enhance our neighbourhood
Click on the link below to see the latest edition of the Lancashire Local History Federation newsletter.
The editor is always pleased to hear from members and can be contacted at mariannerh@hotmail.co.uk.
The planning application for Scout Moor 22 is fundamentally flawed, deliberately manipulating a broken planning process, resulting in a risk to our health, wellbeing, climate, environment and heritage. It must be stopped. Here is why:
What even is the application? The applicant, Cubico3, want to install up to 17 turbines, each larger than Blackpool Tower, on Rooley Moor. Government planning advice4 requires a worst- case scenario to be evaluated, but Cubico are using this process to sidestep the need to be specific about their plans, in an attempt to rush through the development before the political mood changes. We don’t know what turbines they want to install, we don’t know how noisy they are, we don’t know how efficient they are… there are simply too many unanswered questions for there to be a proper consultation.
Peat, peat, peat… The proposed development is on deep peat. The LPAs know that, the applicant knows that, everybody knows that. At
least 140,000 cubic meters of peat (equivalent to 1,275 double decker buses) will be replaced by concrete if this scheme goes ahead. This is the equivalent of around 30 sq km of rainforest! This also contravenes the LPAs own policies5 by a huge margin (which, sadly, we’ve already seen Rossendale Council do with Cubico’s recent meteorological mast approval). The policies to protect peat are there for a reason – it is good for us – it holds carbon, it holds water and prevents flooding, it is a natural habitat for a wealth of things that are good for our ecology. You can see the damage that has been done to deep peat just installing the meteorological mast6. The LPAs continue to demonstrate their inability to enforce planning rules even on this small and relatively simple development.
Experimenting with Residents’ Health – These would be some of the largest and most densely sited turbines in England, and the closest to residential dwellings. It is clearly proven that turbine noise and shadow flicker are damaging to health. Why is it ok to put Rochdale and Rossendale residents at risk?
Planning and Noise Expert Melvin Grosvenor, founding member of the Independent Noise Working Group, says “… should the proposed 180 metre turbines be consented, some of the homes in this local area will be at EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH RISK of being uninhabitable”
Amenity – Yes, we all know we’re not entitled to a view, but we are entitled to want to protect this beautiful countryside, our shared heritage, and our shared common land. Elsie Blundell MP herself highlighted the importance of the Cotton Famine Road7 on Rooley Moor in her maiden speech in Parliament. This development will harm national trails and change the landscape forever. Previous failed applications here have already been rejected for good planning reasons, including cumulative impact.
Conspiracy? The LPAs are ignoring their bill payers – the MPs are not addressing their constituents’ concerns, the Councillors are ignoring their electorate. Party politics and local council budgets8 are driving decision making to all of our detriment.
Whilst Cubico say this will generate “enough to power over 100,000 homes each year”, we say this generation is at enormous public cost9, and it will not power any homes when the wind isn’t blowing.
We need your help to uphold processes, ensure policies are adhered to, ensure our elected Councillors and MPs are acting on our behalf, and to protect the moorland. Find out more and sign up to get involved at https://saynotoscoutmoor2.org.uk/, or join us in Norden on 27 November 6pm to 8.30pm, at Norden Methodist Church.
Say No to Scout Moor 2: Steve Davison, info@saynotoscoutmoor2.org.uk, 07785 957 071
Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum CIC: Alan Rawsterne, info@rmnf.org.uk, 07970 715 904
https://saynotoscoutmoor2.org.uk/
Rochdale Council’s planning application consultation: Rochdale Consultation
Rossendale Council’s planning application consultation: Rossendale Consultation
This video shows the before-and-after situation at Top of Leach, where Cubico Sustainable Investments recently erected a Metrology Mast to gather data in support of their planning application for Scout Moor 2 Wind Farm – a proposed expansion of the existing 27 turbines (each 100m high). The new proposal includes 17 turbines at 180m high, spanning Scout and Rooley Moors and intersecting the historic Cotton Famine Road.
The footage highlights a stark contrast between Cubico’s public commitments to sustainable development and the environmental impact of the mast installation. Observers have raised concerns that the works breached several planning conditions, most of which remain unresolved, and failed to uphold responsibilities to protect the moorland and its wildlife.
It’s often said that actions speak louder than words. In this case, Cubico’s conduct has drawn criticism from local residents and campaigners, who describe the approach as cavalier and lacking in transparency or accountability.
If this is the scale of disruption caused by a single mast, imagine the consequences of constructing the full wind farm – potentially involving the excavation of between 130,000 and 200,000 cubic metres of peat, a carbon-rich habitat of national importance.
To donate, please visit our Crowdfunder page
For more information see SAY NO TO SCOUT MOOR 2
We urgently need your help to oppose a planning application that threatens to irreversibly damage Rooley Moor and the surrounding moorland we all cherish.
The Scout Moor 2 Wind Farm proposal seeks to install 17 industrial-scale wind turbines, each 180 metres tall – taller than Blackpool Tower – across Rooley Moor and alongside the historic Cotton Famine Road. These structures would dominate the skyline and permanently alter the character of this cherished landscape. Visualisations from the planning application can be seen here: https://saynotoscoutmoor2.org.uk/visualisations-from-the-planning-application/
If approved, this development would cause irreversible harm to:
Recent reports suggest that poorly planned wind developments may contribute to rising energy costs Wind farms to blame for rising energy bills, says Ofgem.
This proposal prioritises private commercial interests over public benefit, disregarding national and local planning protections – especially those safeguarding landscape character, biodiversity, heritage assets, and public access.
Objections must be submitted as soon as possible to be considered.
Share your concerns – mention impacts on landscape, heritage, biodiversity, access, and water. Personal stories and local knowledge make a real difference.
Example objections can be found here: https://publicaccess.rossendale.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=SZ0U9GND05V00
Spread the word – encourage neighbours, walking groups, and local organisations to respond. Every voice strengthens the case.
For more information and resources, visit https://saynotoscoutmoor2.org.uk/
Please email info@RMNF.org.uk if you would like help submitting your objection.
Thank you for standing with us to protect Rooley Moor’s heritage, ecology, and public access. Together, we can ensure this treasured landscape is safeguarded for future generations.
The application number is 2025/0267 – see the following link –
Rossendale’s head of planning has advised:
Now is the time to read, inwardly digest and consolidate efforts to defeat this wind farm application.
Please show your support and spread the word.
Please print the poster below and display it in a visible, lawful spot – your window, local noticeboard, or community centre.
As part of our ongoing campaign to protect the heritage, landscape, and ecology of Rooley Moor, we’ve created a poster to raise awareness of the proposed Scout Moor 2 wind farm planning application, and the serious concerns it presents. Click HERE to print the poster.
Cubico Sustainable Investments have submitted a planning application (soon to be made public) for seventeen 180m-high turbines. This industrial-scale development will do nothing to advance Net Zero, improve energy security, or reduce energy costs. What it will do is irreversibly damage a landscape of national significance.
Please print the poster and display it somewhere visible—your window, local noticeboard, community centre, or anywhere it might catch attention. Every poster helps amplify our message and demonstrate the strength of local opposition.
Please do not fly-post (i.e. attach posters to public property such as lampposts, bus stops, or street furniture). These will be removed and may result in a fine. Let’s keep our campaign respectful and within the law.
Rooley Moor is a cherished and irreplaceable landscape. The proposed development threatens:
We appreciate that not everyone shares our perspective. But for those who do, your voice matters. Protecting Rooley Moor contributes more meaningfully to Net Zero than Cubico’s engineered proposal. This application must be robustly challenged, and visible community support is essential.
Thank you for standing with us. We are stronger together – and together, we can protect what matters.
Best regards,
(on behalf of the Say No to Scout Moor 2 campaign)
29 July 2025 – Cubico’s Scout Moor 2 wind farm planning application is expected to be published just in time for the peak summer holiday season.
Carved by starving millworkers during the American Civil War, it stands not merely as a stone sett route, but as a living memorial – built from hunger, solidarity, and working-class resolve.
Cubico’s proposed Scout Moor 2 wind farm would industrialise Rooley Moor’s historic hills, scarring an irreplaceable heritage site in the name of greenwashing.
This is not renewable progress!
It is ecological vandalism dressed as virtue — doing nothing for carbon reduction or energy security, it simply enables corporate profit through higher energy costs.
True climate action respects what nature has to offer Nett-Zero, peat rich landscapes, history, and communities. Scout Moor 2 does not!
To bury their legacy beneath steel towers, thousands of tonnes of concrete, and alien materials is not sustainability — it’s desecration.
6:30pm | Council Chamber, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup OL13 0BB
Cubico wants approval to begin dismantling a landscape that holds extraordinary potential for large-scale moorland restoration—a proven, natural solution that could cut carbon more affordably than their engineered alternative.
This isn’t just a local issue. It’s about protecting public land from irreversible damage and fighting for sustainable, cost-effective climate action.
⚠️ Your presence can tip the scales!
⚠️Let Rossendale and Rochdale know this landscape matters!
⚠️ Please share this message!
#Rossendale #Rochdale #MoorlandRestoration #PublicVoice #ClimateAction
Please see the following notification (ufm8_Consultee_Reconsultation_Letter) regarding planning application 2025/0061 for the erection of a temporary (three-year) Meteorological Mast and associated equipment on land west of Rooley Moor Road at the Top of Leach. This follows two previous failed applications.
While the site itself falls within Rossendale, the majority of the proposed access route lies within Rochdale.
Of particular concern, construction traffic is planned to pass through the Catley Lane Head Conservation Area and along the rural section of Rooley Moor Road (RMR). As you may be aware, this section of RMR is not a highway but a nationally significant bridleway and an internationally recognised, non-designated heritage asset known as the Cotton Famine Road. It holds historic ties to the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery.
Unfortunately, the “View Planning Application” link provided in the attached letter appears to be non-functional. To ensure access to the application documents, we have provided an alternative link below:
Please note that you will need to create an account if you wish to submit a comment.
To assist you in lodging your own comments, we have included a template objection letter HERE, which you may use as-is or modify to reflect your specific concerns.
The RMNF trustees hope you find this information helpful and greatly appreciate any time you can spare to respond to the application. We also encourage you to share this with family, friends, and colleagues to increase community engagement.
The Stronger Together campaign is intensifying its efforts to protect England’s irreplaceable peatlands by seeking a ban on wind farms on protected peatland through proposed amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
This push complements their Parliamentary petition, which so far has garnered nearly 8,000 signatures (see petition here).
You can play a vital role in this campaign by writing to your MP as soon as possible. Encourage them to support these amendments and attend the House of Commons event on 29th April (10 a.m. to midday), where the amendments will be introduced.
Below is a template letter you can use to contact your MP. You can find your MP’s contact details HERE.
Subject: Support Amendments to Protect Peatlands in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
Dear [MP’s name],
I am writing to seek your support for amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that would ban wind farms on protected peatlands in England. If your schedule permits, I also invite you to attend an informational event on this critical issue in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 29th April, from 10 a.m. to midday (room number to be confirmed).
This event, organised by the Stronger Together to Stop Calderdale Wind Farm campaign and sponsored by Conservative MP Robbie Moore (Keighley and Ilkley), will feature Richard Lindsay, an internationally recognised expert in peatland ecology and conservation. Richard, Senior Research Advisor to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme and Head of Conservation Research at the University of East London, will present scientific evidence supporting the amendments and answer questions from MPs and Peers.
Peatland is one of the world’s most biodiverse and carbon-rich habitats, often called the “Amazon rainforest of the UK.” Full-depth blanket bog alone stores an astonishing 1,600 tonnes of carbon per hectare—four times more than tropical rainforest. Tragically, peatland is also one of the most threatened ecosystems.
Wind energy developments on peatlands risk undermining their critical carbon capture function. Construction activities and subsequent drainage can dry out the peatland, releasing vast amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere. Restoration of damaged peat can take over 150 years, rendering this destruction irreversible within the typical 40-year lifespan of a wind farm.
Regrettably, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, as currently drafted, is poised to weaken environmental protections for special conservation sites, including protected peatlands.
More than 30 environmental charities have already warned that the Bill undermines the Government’s pledge of a “win-win” for nature and development, threatening to erode environmental laws (https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/charities-challenge-ministers-fix-planning-bill-or-nature-will-pay-price).
While proposed amendments such as reinstating the Habitats Regulations represent progress, they still allow significant loopholes. These gaps enable infrastructure projects, including wind farms, to proceed even on irreplaceable habitats if specific derogation tests are met by the Secretary of State. (https://saverestorewalshawmoor.wordpress.com/2025/04/08/angela-rayners-ministry-says-no-need-to-ban-windfarms-on-protected-peatland-were-not-convinced/).
I strongly urge you to:
Protecting our peatlands is essential to preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. Your support can make a significant difference for future generations.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address and Phone Number]
