CAMPAIGNERS say they can now breathe a sigh of relief about a controversial wind farm development.

Developer Peel Energy had until Friday to lodge an appeal over plans for wind turbines at Scout Moor but, according to the Royal Courts of Justice, no appeal has been lodged.

The application for 16 turbines was passed by Rochdale and Rossendale councils but the Secretary of State called in the decision and said only two of the turbines could go ahead on the land near Ramsbottom.

Falmai Binns, chair of Bury Rural Inequalities Forum, is pleased that no appeal has been made and now wonders whether the two turbines Peel was given permission for will go ahead.

Dr Binns said: “The planning inspectorate advised some of our members to contact the Royal Courts of Justice, which they did. They said they hadn’t heard anything and the judgement was such that the deadline couldn’t be extended.”

However the campaigners say they would still like confirmation from Peel and the councils that it marks an end of attempts to extend the wind farm.

“We would like confirmation. There needs to be closure,” said Dr Binns.

The councils were approached for a comment.