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Scout Moor Wind Farm

My honourable friend the Minister for Energy (Malcolm Wicks) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. I have decided to grant consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to Scout Moor Wind Farm Ltd to build 26 turbines with a capacity of 65 megawatts, at Scout Moor, near Rochdale. My decision was taken after extensive and thorough consideration of the representations I received, both for and against consent being granted. The extensive, independent public inquiry ensured that community and environmental concerns were heard. I am aware that this decision will come as a disappointment to those local people who opposed the application. Conversely, the decision will be welcomed by those local people who supported the application. Today's approval takes into account the concerns raised, and includes a number of conditions recommended by the inquiry inspector to mitigate any impacts. This wind farm will generate clean, renewable electricity and make a vital contribution towards reducing carbon emissions and meeting the UK's international obligations on tackling climate change. Copies of the decision letter and consent together with copies of the inspector's report are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.