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The original planning application   submitted by E.ON for Denshaw Moor was turned down by Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council on March 1 2006.

Subsequently we submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against this decision, however we have since decided to withdraw the appeal for this proposal.   We are now looking into the possibility of submitting a wind farm proposal for a revised six turbine scheme at the same site.

A decision on the potential new application is expected within the next few weeks.

Why Denshaw Moor?

The site is windy, with suitable road access and grid connection options and was identified within an 'Area of Search' for wind farms in a study commissioned by Oldham Council. Turbines have been located to exceed minimum distances from properties set out in best practice guidelines, and a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment has predicted no adverse effects.

The Denshaw Moor Wind Farm would:

• Provide enough renewable electricity to supply over 8,000 homes.
• Save over 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
• Help to combat climate change and contribute to the Governments Renewable Energy Target (15% by 2015).
• Reduce reliance on finite and imported fuel sources.
• Provide over £2m in local and regional electrical and civil contracts, including the supply of materials during construction.

Community Benefits

Communities around operational E.ON sites also benefit from E.ON's commitment to building strong community relations. Denshaw Wind Farm would be no different - it's estimated that over the operational life of the project, the associated community funds would be around £500,000. Examples of the types of projects/activities that could benefit from such funds include:

• Improving energy efficiency at local schools.
• Provision/improvement of local facilities.
• Support/sponsorship of local clubs/societies.

Community Engagement

A public exhibition was held in Denshaw Primary School in Autumn 2003. Following the exhibition the number of turbines was reduced from   nine to   seven because many members of the public expressed concern about erecting turbines in the Castleshaw valley.

A further exhibition was held in the Spindles Shopping Centre in January 2006 when over 70 members of the public signed letters of support for the project.