Moorland weather test mast decision deferred

The mast would measure wind over two years ahead of a potential plan for new wind turbines

The decision on a bid to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on moorland has been deferred.

Applicant Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, based at Media City, Salford, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land on Scout Moor, west of Rooley Moor Road, near Rossendale.

The mast would measure wind over two years ahead of a potential plan for new wind turbines, called Scout Moor II.

Council planning officers had previously recommended the scheme be approved with conditions.

Not green belt

Rossendale Council's development committee considered the mast application this week and one objector and one supporter shared their views.

Objections included concerns about potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historical roads, and the visual impact on the land which is open countryside, but not common land or green belt.

The council said remedial works would be done to the land once the mast was taken down.

In recent days, a separate plan has been sent to Rossendale Council for proposed signs to warn people of construction work, if the mast gets the go-ahead.

The signs consultation is expected at the end of May and councillors decided to defer the mast decision until then, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.