Public inquiry into windfarms

United Utilities says the windfarm would power 7,000 homes

A company which was told it could not build two windfarms in east Lancashire is fighting to revive the plans.

Burnley Council rejected United Utilities' proposal to build the generators on moors between Burnley and Rossendale earlier this year.

It was the second time the council had rejected the £9m plans for land near Clowbridge reservoir.

But the company was trying to overturn that decision at a public inquiry on Tuesday.

It says the 12 turbines would be capable of generating up to 12 megawatts of electricity - enough to power about 7,000 homes.

It comes less than a week after the government issued new guidelines to local councils insisting they must "promote and encourage" renewable energy schemes.

The inquiry will also consider an appeal by National Wind Power against refusal for a wind farm on Hameldon Hill.

Both hearings are expected to last six days.