Latest news with #PeterRowe
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Moorland weather test mast decision deferred
The decision on a bid to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on moorland has been deferred. Applicant Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, based at Media City, Salford, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land on Scout Moor, west of Rooley Moor Road, near Rossendale. The mast would measure wind over two years ahead of a potential plan for new wind turbines, called Scout Moor II. Council planning officers had previously recommended the scheme be approved with conditions. Rossendale Council's development committee considered the mast application this week and one objector and one supporter shared their views. Objections included concerns about potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historical roads, and the visual impact on the land which is open countryside, but not common land or green belt. The council said remedial works would be done to the land once the mast was taken down. In recent days, a separate plan has been sent to Rossendale Council for proposed signs to warn people of construction work, if the mast gets the go-ahead. The signs consultation is expected at the end of May and councillors decided to defer the mast decision until then, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Moorland weather test mast plan decision looms Why a wind farm saga is entering its third decade Largest onshore windfarm could be built on moorland Rossendale Borough Council
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Moorland weather test mast plan for Scout Moor II deferred
The decision on a bid to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on moorland has been Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, based at Media City, Salford, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land on Scout Moor, west of Rooley Moor Road, near mast would measure wind over two years ahead of a potential plan for new wind turbines, called Scout Moor planning officers had previously recommended the scheme be approved with conditions. Not green belt Rossendale Council's development committee considered the mast application this week and one objector and one supporter shared their included concerns about potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historical roads, and the visual impact on the land which is open countryside, but not common land or green council said remedial works would be done to the land once the mast was taken recent days, a separate plan has been sent to Rossendale Council for proposed signs to warn people of construction work, if the mast gets the go-ahead. The signs consultation is expected at the end of May and councillors decided to defer the mast decision until then, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Objectors raise concerns over Scout Moor II weather mast plan
A planning application to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on Scout Moor – linked to a potential new wind farm – will be considered by councillors next week. Applicant Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land west of Rooley Moor Road, near Scout Moor in Rossendale. Cubico hopes to build the Scout Moor II wind turbine development in the area but first needs detailed weather information. Other elements of the mast plan include solar energy modules to power batteries for monitoring equipment, animal-proof fencing and security fencing. However, objectors have raised concerns about the mast application. Worries include potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historic roads, and the visual impact. The area is used for outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking and horse riding, with the Pennine Bridleway and Rossendale Way nearby. According to a report for councillors on Rossendale's development control committee, the site has been chosen because of its elevated position, which increases the accuracy of weather monitoring because of higher wind speeds. It is in open countryside but not common land or green belt. The report says factors to consider include sustainable development, building a strong economy; meeting the challenge of climate change, and conserving and enhancing both natural and historic environments. The proposed weather mast, known as a 'met mast', is needed to help Cubico gain a better understanding of wind patterns and to assist with the design, funding, construction and long-term operation of the Scout Moor II wind farm. Two years of wind data are needed before construction can begin. If planning permission is granted for a Scout Moor II wind farm, bosses say it can be delivered by 2030. Planning agent Thomas Lord, of Manchester-based Turley, is also involved. Various authorities have been consulted about the met mast including Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, which provides advice for councils. It has no objections, but says that markers should be fitted on mast lines, to protect flying birds. If mast construction starts within the bird nesting season, between March to August, an ecological 'walk-over' of the site and buffer area should be done before work starts by an experienced ornithologist to check for any signs of nesting birds. To protect peat and associated wildlife, good-practice construction measures should be imposed, the unit adds. But objections have been raised by Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum, the Norden, Bamford & Heywood Bridleway Association; Rossendale Civic Trust and ten members of the public, according to the planning report. The forum has worries about access routes, the potential impact on Catley Lane Head conservation area, the Cotton Famine Road and the national bridleway and wants alternatives to be considered. It has also asked if Cubico has the required permission to use vehicles on the moor. Forum trustees consider it to be 'totally unacceptable' to access a proposed loading area through Catley Lane Head and suggest Rochdale Council's conservation officer should be consulted. Rossendale Civic Trust has concerns too, including damage risks to Rooley Moor, Rooley Moor Road and stone sett sections. It urges Rossendale Council not to open-up or encourage 'damaging access to this sensitive site' and to give recognition to 'the possible, or probable, consequences of not giving due respect to the environment'. Other concerns include the visual impact of the mast, if approved. It would damage views from important viewpoints, such as Waugh's Well, Catley Lane Head, the Prickshaw conservation area and the Cotton Famine Road, objectors believe. READ MORE: Farmers urge walkers to keep dogs on leads after savage and fatal attacks on lambs When will the Red Arrows fly over Lancashire next? See exact dates Neighbouring Rochdale Council highways officers have been consulted, the report adds. Whilst initially objecting about the use of Rooley Moor Road, following changes to a construction method statement, officers are now satisfied, subject to a survey of Rooley Moor Road to ensure remedial works are undertaken if needed. Rossendale Council planning officers say the mast plan should be approved. The report adds: 'In light of the potential benefits to renewable energy generation facilitated by this development, and because the met mast is not likely to result in any long-term harm to the amenities of occupiers of any buildings, the landscape as viewed from the site or its surroundings, ecology, heritage assets, the safety of users of public rights of way, or aviation, it is considered the proposals are acceptable.' The report concludes that, subject to appropriate conditions, the mast plan is acceptable and in accordance with the Rossendale Local Plan and national planning guidance. Rossendale Council's development committee meets on Tuesday, May 13.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Scout Moor weather test mast plan decision looms
A bid to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on moorland will be considered by councillors next Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, based at Media City, Salford, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land on Scout Moor, west of Rooley Moor Road, near Rossendale. Cubico hopes to build the Scout Moor II wind turbine development in the area but first needs detailed weather Council's development committee will decide on the application on Tuesday. The Local Democracy Reporting Service writes that other elements of the mast plan include solar energy modules to power batteries for monitoring equipment, animal-proof fencing and security include concerns about potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historic roads, and the visual impact. 'Potential benefits' The area is used for outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking and horse riding, with the Pennine Bridleway and Rossendale Way to a report for councillors on Rossendale's development control committee, the site has been chosen because of its elevated position, which increases the accuracy of weather monitoring because of higher wind speeds. It is in open countryside, but not common land or green Council planning officers have recommended approval subject to appropriate report said: "In light of the potential benefits to renewable energy generation facilitated by this development, and because the met mast is not likely to result in any long-term harm to the amenities of occupiers of any buildings, the landscape as viewed from the site or its surroundings, ecology, heritage assets, the safety of users of public rights of way, or aviation, it is considered the proposals are acceptable." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
North Wales Live
22-04-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Airbnb proposal for flats in Eryri tourism hotspot but planners explain why they don't like it
An Airbnb proposal for a block of flats in an Eryri tourism hotspot looks set to be rejected. Peter Rowe, from PLP Estates, put in an application for Compton House on Llanberis High Street. The company wants to turn the block from five long term rental flats to five holiday lets - which will be promoted on sites like Airbnb and But any changes of use like this now need to be approved by Cyngor Gwynedd after the council adopted the new Article 4 planning rule. This gives the local authority more powers on the creation of holiday lets or second homes, with planning permission now needed. It was brought in over concern about the rise in the number of holiday properties in certain communities, although it is fiercely opposed by some over fears about the impact on house prices and the tourism sector. The applicant said the proposal would be a high-quality development which would bring the building back into use thus benefiting the economy. They said it would not harm the local housing market and would see investment in the property. A supporting statement said the village of Llanberis was not one of the areas in Gwynedd where second homes and holiday lets made up more than 15% of the local housing stock. They said these are areas the council defines as having an "over-provision" of holiday homes and that Llanberis was not on the list. But the Llanberis and Nant Peris Community Council said members were unanimous in objecting to the application. They said: "The building is currently a building for long term rentals which helps with providing homes to local people. Changing the site to a building offering hospitality flats ensures an adverse impact on the Community because of the impact on the Welsh language, homes for local people and pupil numbers within the primary school." They said that Llanberis and Nant Peris have a high proportion of Airbnb houses and flats and holiday homes - disputing the official figures as they say many houses not registered as holiday homes. They added: "Local people are unable to remain within their communities to raise families because no affordable houses are available. The council acknowledges that visitors contribute to the local economy, but it can also affect the local area. There is an over-provision of holiday homes in the village. This development will also have an impact on transport and parking within the village." Planning officers at Cyngor Gwynedd agreed and have recommended the application is refused. They said: "The loss of five residential units from the stock would be harmful to the area and community and undermine the principles of the Article 4 Direction that has recently come into force in the Cyngor Gwynedd Planning Area. "It is considered that the Business Plan is insufficient to prove the need for the proposal and there is no certainty that the development would be viable. There is doubt too that the site's parking provision is sufficient for its purpose."
