Scout Moor II
A new chapter for local communities, nature, and clean energy in the North West
About Scout Moor II
An Introduction to Scout Moor II
Scout Moor II is a proposed onshore wind farm on the South Pennine Moors, between Rossendale and Rochdale. It approved, it will generate around 70MW or clean electricity, enough to power 84,500 homes each year.
At Cubico, we believe that renewable energy projects should do more than produce clean power - they should leave a lasting, positive impact on local communities. Scout Moor II is designed with this in mind, combining sustainable energy generation with the protection and enhancement of moorlands, investment in local priorities, and the creation of long-term benefits for the people and places nearby.
Since the project was launched in November 2024, the proposals have evolved in response to feedback from local communities, stakeholders and consultees. The revised scheme is smaller, more carefully designed and reflects the issues raised through consultation and ongoing technical assessment.
Click here to see where we’re up to with the planning application.
What is being proposed?
We are proposing a new wind farm at Scout Moor which will:
Include 12 carefully located turbines, reduced from the 17-turbine scheme submitted in 2025, designed to make the best use of the wind while avoiding the most sensitive habitats and reducing visual impact across the moors.
Generate around 70MW of clean, homegrown electricity, subject to final turbine selection.
Use underground cables to connect the project to the grid, including a new substation to connect the project into the local grid at Rawtenstall that will be built in a low-profile way. The grid connection route has also been revised to reduce disruption for local communities.
Provide site access via Scout Road (A680) through the existing quarry entrance, with no access from Rooley Moor Road, helping to preserve the heritage of the area and protect nearby communities from additional traffic.
Deliver local benefits, including new jobs, investment in the local economy, long-term environmental improvements and a strengthened Community Wealth Fund.
Restoring the Moor
We are not just building turbines – we are restoring and protecting the moorland that surrounds them. For every hectare developed, 10 times more land will be restored, helping to bring long-term environmental gains, including:
Re-wetting peatland to lock in carbon and restore natural water balance
Improving habitats for birds, pollinators, and local wildlife
Supporting biodiversity across the upland landscape
Reducing flood risk for surrounding communities
These works will ensure that Scout Moor continues to be a place of natural value for generations to come.
Building on the success of the existing Scout Moor wind farm, the proposal is intended to support the United Kingdom’s energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and deliver long-term benefits to the local community and natural environment.
What’s happening now?
Cubico has submitted revised plans and Further Environmental Information to Rossendale Borough Council and Rochdale Borough Council.
The revised proposals reflect feedback received through consultation and ongoing technical assessment. They reduce the scheme from 17 to 12 turbines and include changes to the layout, grid connection route, access proposals, peatland mitigation and community benefit commitments.
The Councils will now carry out a further period of public consultation, giving residents, stakeholders and consultees another opportunity to review the updated proposals and make their views known.
This website will be updated regularly with the latest information and key developments. You are welcome to get in touch using the contact details provided, and you can sign up to our newsletter to receive project updates directly.
Latest News
Stay involved
We’re committed to open and ongoing dialogue as the project progresses. This website will be updated with more information in due course, but if you have any questions, comments or would like to speak with the project team, you can contact us in the following ways:
Email us: scoutmoor2@cubicoinvest.com
Write to us: Scout Moor II Project Team
ARRIVE Blue Building
12th Floor, MediaCityUK
Manchester
M50 2ST
Press enquiries: Please contact our communications team at communications@cubicoinvest.com
You can also use the form to sign up to our newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox as the project progresses.