The proposed wind farm would supply 60% of Rochdale's homes

The Mori poll said 72% of residents in Rossendale, Rochdale and Bury were in favour of the development at Knowl Moor and Scout Moor.

The hills stand on the border between Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Researchers asked 489 people whether they were in favour of building 26 wind turbines.

Only 15% of people were against the plans while 14% were undecided.

They ruin the countryside for no benefit Ian Price, anti-windfarm campaigner

Paul Hunt, the project manager of the joint venture between United Utilities and property firm Peel Holdings, said he knew there was considerable support for the plans in the area.

But he added that their voices had not always been heard above the small and vocal minority who oppose the project.

The two companies have said the windfarm would supply electricity to 60% of homes in nearby Rochdale.

But campaigners say the turbines, which are 100 metres high, will damage the visual aspect of the moors and the environment.

Ian Price, an anti-windfarm campaigner, said: "It is going to demolish one of the few pieces of natural moorland left with what is not a windfarm but a turbine power station on greenbelt.

"They are not efficient and will not replace nuclear and conventional power stations.

"They ruin the countryside for no benefit."