Scout Moor Wind Farm expansion plans prepared

The turbines generate enough electricity to power 40,000 homes

A wind farm on Lancashire moorland could be set to expand.

Plans to add to the 26-turbine Scout Moor site, on land between Edenfield and Rochdale, Greater Manchester, are being prepared by owners Peel Energy.

The firm said studies were under way to look at installing more turbines in the existing wind farm area and to the north and east of the existing ones.

The site, which began operating in 2008, generates enough electricity to power 40,000 homes.

A public consultation is expected to take place later this year.

Peel Energy said a community benefit fund would be set up that could be accessed to finance local projects and good causes.

It is also considering a co-operative ownership scheme that would offer the local community the chance to invest in the wind farm.

Before the wind farm opened it faced opposition from residents' groups and Rossendale, Rochdale and Lancashire County councils.

It was given the green light in May 2005 after a public inquiry.