A GROUP opposed to plans for a wind farm in Rossendale gathered yesterday to prepare to fight the proposals at a public inquiry.

Campaigners involved in Friends of Scout and Knowl Moor attended a meeting at the Norton Grange Hotel, in Rochdale. The plans to build 26 giant turbines between Edenfield and Whitworth will go to public inquiry on November 23 at a venue yet to be confirmed. The inquiry is expected to last four weeks.

Ann Metcalfe, speaking against the application, called for inquiry sessions to be held in the evenings to cater for people with work commitments.

Edward Smethhurst, of the protest group, said: "We have got the pressure group with a lot of support, and we have got a number of experts who we would like to put forward to speak on our behalf."

The joint application between United Utilities and Peel Holdings was turned down by Rossendale Borough Council's planning department earlier this year after objections were raised by Rochdale Metropolitan Council and Lancashire County Council.

Supporters say the £50 million project will provide enough green electricity to supply 51,000 homes in Rossendale.

Andrew Newcombe, speaking on behalf of the applicants, said he plans to call a number of witnesses dealing with planning, landscape and visual impact, ecology, noise, hydrology, construction, archaeology and TV interference.

He said: "Inquiries are not meant to be taken by ambush so it's in the inspector's interest that he hears all the arguments before the inquiry to avoid any adjournments."

Ian Ponter, representing the three authorities, said: "We are looking at who will give evidence during the course of the inquiry.

"Our main concerns will be planning issues and landscape and visual impact issues."