CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a windfarm on the moors above Littleborough could be dealt another blow tonight.

Pennine Township councillors are set to consider Coronation Power’s application to build a dozen turbines, each two thirds the height of Blackpool Tower, on Crook Hill at a meeting at the Town Hall.

But a planning officer’s report recommends they reject the windfarm, which spans the Rochdale/Calderdale boundary, on the grounds it would have an unacceptable impact on the landscape, would be within the green belt, could damage peat deposits and that noise from the turbines would affect horse riders and walkers on nearby bridleways.

Last month Calderdale Council voted to reject the proposals.

And if Rochdale councillors follow their lead their objections will be lodged when the application is decided at a public inquiry at a later date.

Coronation Power claim the development would provide enough energy to power 20,000 homes, about 12 percent of the two borough’s needs.

Some 2,052 letters of objection and 1,318 letters of support were received by the council.

The report states: "I consider that the likely harm that would be caused would outweigh its environmental benefits in providing a sustainable source of energy."