Noise guidelines could stop wind farm approval

Jun 12 2009 by Ben Guy, The Journal

Noise nuisance

THE noise caused by wind turbines has been a subject of much debate at inquiries in the North East.

Campaigners have argued the noise generated close to their homes by the turbines would be unbearable, while developers have pointed to their findings as evidence the structures do not cause undue nuisance.

Last August, The Journal featured Lincolnshire couple Jane and Julian Davis who had to abandon their home after turbines were built just 930m from their house.

They ended up renting a house some miles away, costing £1,000 a month, in order to escape the noise and get some sleep. Estate agents said that their house, worth £170,000 before the Lincolnshire wind farm was built in 2006, was so severely blighted that it could be impossible to sell.

And Mr Davis said it is vital for residents near proposed wind farms to make their voices heard.