BOSSES of Scout Moor Wind Farm are to hold a series of public meetings after revealing plans to expand the site.

Peel Energy is hoping to add to the 26-turbine site, one of the UK’s largest wind farm swhich sits between Edenfield and Rochdale.

A three-week public consultation began on Monday with events being held in Bury and surrounding areas.

Development director, Jon England, said: “We are committed to involving the public in our plans to expand the wind farm and we would like to see as many people as possible during this first consultation period while the proposals are at the early stages of development.

“We are keen to gain views on a number of issues such as the possible location and size of new turbines. We will also be able to discuss the options for accessing the site and connecting the new turbines to the electricity grid.”

Events will be held at Edenfield Community Centre, Edenfield, on Friday, December 9, from 2pm to 8pm, and Bury Town Hall on Saturday, December 10, from 11am to 5pm.

Peel Energy said a community benefit fund would be set up if the extension went ahead, to support local projects and good causes.

A co-operative ownership scheme is also being considered that would allow the public to gain a stake and a return on investment in the wind farm.

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

Mr England added: “Early studies have shown that there is sufficient land available to more than double the output of the wind farm.”

Rossendale Council leader, Cllr Alyson Barnes, said: “There is already a major presence at Scout Moor, and while I’m supportive of renewable energy, I hope that Peel will be sensitive to those living at that end of the valley. I know they are committed to a high level of consultation with residents and this will be necessary.

“People living there had to put up with a high level of disruption and it would seem that the turbines would be delivered via a similar path as last time.”