Noise guidelines could stop wind farm approval

Jun 12 2009 by Ben Guy, The Journal

NEW noise guidelines for wind farm developers could make getting approval for sites more difficult.

Independent consultants who sat on the Government Noise Working Group recommend more stringent tests that should be carried out, which would make it harder for developers to meet acceptable noise levels.

The moves have been welcomed by wind farm opposition groups, who claim the statement backs calls for more rigorous tests.

Karen Archbold lives in Great Bavington, near Kirkharle, Northumberland, which is close to an area currently the subject of a triple wind farm inquiry, the result of which is due this year.

She said: “What they are saying is that developers have got to do their noise monitoring and predictions properly.

“The point is developers are going to find they will not get away with as much as they previously have done. If this had been out before they would not have had a leg to stand on. ”

The guidelines relate to issues such as background noise measurement, predicted noise levels, vibration and low frequency noise.

Pippa Bowyer, of law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn which acts for developers and advises them on procedure, said: “Our concern is they have added three layers of conservatism in the calculations. It means that some developments that have already been consented might not have been able to meet the guidelines.

“If this is adopted it could have very serious implications.”

An ‘e-bulletin’ issued by the law firm following the recommendations added: “The potential impacts on local residents from wind farm noise has always been a key issue and will increasingly be so.