The plans, which have been submitted to Rossendale and Rochdale Councils, include 17 turbines, each up to 180 metres tall, providing clean, renewable energy to tens of thousands of homes.

If approved, alongside the existing Scout Moor I wind farm, it would create the largest onshore wind farm in the country, utilising the gusty Pennine location to produce renewable, clean energy.

However, the Reform-led county council have objected, stating that the report prepared by Cubico, highlights "serious failings" in the flood risk assessment and drainage strategy.

The council have said that it is unclear whether the project would increase flood risk locally.

Reform UK rejects net zero and supports the use of fossil fuels, despite the evidence of its impact on climate change, with many leading figures in the party being climate change deniers.

The party's Rossendale and Darwen branch wrote on Facebook: "Lancashire County Council, acting as the lead local flood authority, has officially objected to the Scout Moor 2 Wind Farm development.

"Their detailed report highlights serious failings in the flood risk assessment and drainage strategy submitted by the developers, stating there is insufficient evidence that the project would not increase flood risk locally.

"This is a major step forward in protecting residents across Rossendale from the very real threat of worsening flooding.

"Now the pressure is on Rossendale Borough Council to do the right thing and reject this application outright.

"Reform UK will continue to work hard to ensure our communities are protected. We stand with residents, not developers."

The overall project, tabled by Cubico Sustainable Investments, is to be built on the moorland between Rochdale, Edenfield and Rawtenstall.

Scout Moor II would see the turbines built, next door to the 26 already on the hillside, with the potential to generate up to 100 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable electricity, enough to power around 100,000 homes each year.

Cubico's development manager, Peter Rowe, has said the company is committed to working with the council, community groups and residents throughout the planning process.

He said: "Scout Moor II is a chance for Rossendale and Rochdale to lead the UK into a clean energy future - creating jobs, supporting the local economy and backing Britain by producing secure, homegrown energy.

"We've been listening closely to what people have told us during the consultation process, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to engage with us.

"Their input has shaped a stronger scheme that we believe delivers for local communities and supports national energy goals.

"We understand that new developments like Scout Moor II raise important questions, and that local communities must see real and lasting benefits.

"We're committed to working closely with the Council, community groups and residents as the process moves forward."

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The proposal said it will 'use underground cables to connect the project to the grid, including a new substation to connect the project into the local grid at Rawtenstall that will be built in a low-profile way'.

Currently, the application has received 56 public comments objecting to the plans.

The determination deadline has been set for November 6.

Site access would be via Scout Road (A680) through the existing quarry entrance, with no access from Rooley Moor Road, and the project would 'deliver local benefits, including new jobs, investment in the local economy, and a £20 million Community Wealth Fund', Cubico has said.

Wind energy is seen as a key way of reaching the country's goal of cutting its carbon footprint, and would also enable the creation of clean, renewable and cheap energy instead of relying on expensive gas imported from abroad, which is behind the current sky-high energy bills.

Lancashire County Council objects to wind farm proposal over flooding risks