United Utilities and Peel Energy have submitted plans to expand an existing East Lancashire wind farm on Scout Moor by 16 new turbines.

The joint venture, Scout Moor Wind Farm Expansion Ltd, have asked Rochdale and Rossendale councils for permission to build the new turbines on the moorland site. The new company owned by United Utilities and Peel Energy has been consulting with local communities since 2014.

If given the green light a range of benefits are on offer including: long-term Moorland Restoration Management Plan to improve moorland habitats and water quality; hiring a moorland Ranger; creating of way-marked trails to enhance use of the moor as an educational resource; building new paths for pedestrians and horse riders linking wind farm access tracks to existing public rights of way; up to £750,000 a year for local authorities in business rate retention and local jobs and order procurement.

Jon England, Development Director at Peel Energy commented:

"If approved, the expansion of Scout Moor Wind Far will create a wind farm that will sustainably generate enough electricity to power more than 20,000 homes while at the same time protecting and improving the local environment.

"There have always been good reasons for expanding the existing wind farm such as a proven track-record of high energy output and the fact that we have an existing point of access. The expansion also presents an opportunity to build on our relationships with surrounding communities, providing much needed funding for a range of initiatives and using the wind farm as a valuable resource for recreation and education.

"The expansion would also mean the restoration of around 900 hectares of peat moorland which has becoming badly degraded due to a combination of wildfire and over-grazing of sheep."

If the scheme to build the new wind turbines gets the go-ahead,  it is estimated around £50 million will flow back into the local economy during the initial building stage.