Scout Moor Wind Farm public consultation announced.

Peel Energy have announced that they are exploring the possibility of expanding Scout Moor Wind Farm. Detailed studies are underway to consider the potential to install more wind turbines within the existing wind farm area and in locations to the north and east of the existing turbines. A series of public consultations start at the end of November.

Peel has invited local people to view the proposal and discuss the plan at the Edenfield consultation which will be held at the Edenfield Community Centre on Friday 9 December 2011 between 2pm and 8pm.

Development director Jon England said: “There are a number of reasons why we are considering an expansion of Scout Moor Wind Farm: there is a proven high wind resource, there is existing access and grid connection and there is an opportunity to enhance security of electricity supply in the Rossendale Valley and Rochdale.

“We have had initial discussions with Rossendale and Rochdale councils and we are now keen to get the feedback from local communities.”

If a wind farm extension were to take place, a community benefit fund would be set up that could be accessed by the community to finance local projects and good causes. A co-operative ownership scheme is also being considered that would offer members of the local community the opportunity to gain a stake and a return on investment in the wind farm.

The Core Strategy DPD: The Way Forward is the overall Planning Framework for the Borough, it was formally adopted by the Council at a meeting on 8th November and it now forms a key element of the Development Plan for Rossendale.

A copy of the Core Strategy can be found on the Council’s website at

www.rossendale.gov.uk/corestrategy

The Core Strategy has replaced the 1995 Rossendale District Local Plan in full and will be used to determine all planning applications received from 9th November 2011 as well as all future plans and initiatives.

The document ‘ Lives and Landscapes’ will designate land and buildings for future uses such as housing , parks, shops , schools and parking. It will also set out what new developments should look like, how they should be constructed as well as how they should fit in with their surroundings.

Public meetings have been organised to explain the document and show people which sites have been put forward to be included within the district plan.

You can give your views on the sites that have already been put forward and suggest alternative uses for the sites.  It is also an opportunity for local residents to suggest other sites for consideration.

The dates and venues for meetings are set out below.

NONFIRE NIGHT GOES OFF WITH A BANG!

Friday the 4^th of November saw the staging of the first ever NONFIRE night at Edenfield C of E School. According to our research this type of event has never been done before.

It marks the beginning of the fundraising for the on-going extension to improve the school facilities and provide much needed space within the school. More information on the building project and fundraising events can be found on the schools website.

http://www.edenfieldceprimary.ik.org/

The NONFIRE night was a family fun night for adults and children alike. There were quizzes, games, competitions, karaoke which all took place around the model bonfire and rocket table decorations.

Among the games there were ‘Dress the guy’, Corners game with bonfire themed markers, build Big Ben – which got very competitive with the adults.

There was an array of bonfire themed snacks to buy including some amazing Bonfire Style Cupcakes and Parkin.

The evening ended with the children and adults gathering outside with their Sparklers.