Cubico to scope Scout Moor with 91-metre mast

Construction of England’s largest onshore wind farm has taken a step forward with Rochdale Council set to consider the renewable energy developer’s application to build a temporary meteorological mast in a bid to have the 100MW facility operational by 2030.

The 91-metre-tall mast is expected to be in place for 36 months while it gathers wind data from the top of Rooley Moor. Developer Cubico needs to collect two years of wind data before the construction of Scout Moor Two – a £200m onshore wind energy project comprising 21, 180-metre-tall turbines, which would be capable of powering 100,000 Greater Manchester homes annually – can begin.

This approach ensures that if complete planning permission is granted the project can be delivered by 2030, aligning with the government’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions.

To be built on a fenced-off one-acre site south of the Rossendale Way walking trail, the mast will also require secure boxes attached to its base, containing data logging and telecommunications equipment, as well as batteries to provide an independent power supply.

A lightning protection rod would also be attached to the top of the mast.

According to Cubico, the mast will provide critical insights into the prevailing environmental conditions within the potential development area.

Once the mast has been decommissioned, the land will be restored to its original condition.

The existing Scout Moor comprises 26 wind turbines at a height of 100m metres from ground to blade tip.

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Scout Moor Two is currently subject to an EIA scoping report that has been submitted to both Rochdale and Rossendale Councils.

Planning consultant Turley is the chief planner working on Cubico’s behalf. The method statement for the mast’s construction has been prepared by Dulas.

Atmos Consulting will undergo the required ecological appraisal.

The ongoing consultation for Scout Moor Two can be accessed at scoutmoor2.co.uk.

Cubico has stakes in various renewable projects around the UK including a solar farm in Frodsham and the Billown Solar Farm on the Isle of Man.

The developer will contribute a multi-million-pound community wealth fund and a moorland restoration and management plan to mitigate its impact on the natural area.

To view the application, use the planning reference number 25/00199/CONS on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.