Moorland temporary weather test mast approved

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

Plans for a temporary weather-monitoring mast on moorland to measure wind conditions for the potential new Scout Moor II wind turbine development have been approved.

Cubico Sustainable Investments has been given approval with conditions to erect a 91m (300ft) high meteorological mast with equipment on land west of Rooley Moor Lane in Rochdale, close to the border with Rossendale.

The application was deferred last month to allow for public feedback on a separate, but linked, application for signs around the Rooley Moor site.

No feedback was received on the signs, but objections regarding the mast, included damage to moorland peat and harm to nesting birds or sheep during lambing.

'Net zero targets'

At the council planning meeting, objector Alan Rawsterne of Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum said his group opposed the whole Scout Moor II wind farm project.

He said: "This weather mast would destroy peat-land that has taken 600 years to form.

"The damage could not be undone. That alone should warrant refusal."

But Mark Worcester, the planning agent representing Cubico said the mast would "represent a significant contribution to national net zero targets, greener energy and secure energy supplies".

He said the data it would collect "is needed by banks, regarding finance and for wind turbine manufacturers".

"This development would be wholly appropriate, in keeping with planning policies and sensitive to the area," he said, adding that there would also be a peat restoration plan.

In a vote, the majority of councillors approved the plan, which had been recommended for approval, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.