Noise Levels and Health Issues
The government and the wind turbine developers will say that residents are protected from harmful effects and noise because they comply with the guidance under ETSUR-97 a report on the assessment of noise from wind farms completed over ten years ago in September 97.
This report's findings are now widely criticised as being insufficient to deal with new generation wind turbines such as these proposed for Aston Hall Farm. These turbines are much bigger (3.3 MW generating capacity) than these assessed under ETSUR-97 and give rise to lower level noise frequencies. A private members bill was put before parliament in the autumn of 2009 proposing separation distances of 2.4km (1.5 miles) between these larger turbines and any dwelling. This site is 625 metres from Aston by Stone and similar distances from properties on Enson Lane and Burston.
At least one in six of the 255 windfarms in Britain have received noise complaints according to figures obtained by the Daily Telegraph.
Finally it seems Defra are conducting more research on how councils should investigate noise levels.
The Chairman of the Local Authorities Co-ordinator of Regulatory Services, Paul Bettison stated, "The Governments guidelines for assessing noise from wind energy projects is outdated and needs to be reviewed to help councils do this". Read the full article...
You can read the experiences of people currently living near the shadow of giant turbines.
Mr Armstrong describes it as, "Like a tumble-dryer - a heavy dense noise. They will wake you up and you won't be able to get back to sleep". Read the full article...
Mr and Mrs Davies have begun court action for an injunction and damages arising from moise nuisance from turbines, the nearest of which is about 930 metres from their property. Read the particulars of the claim they have issued...
"...I would suggest that no wind turbines should be sited closer than 1.5 miles away from the nearest dwelling".
Wind Turbines, Noise and Health by Dr Amanda Harry
Minimum 2Km exclusion zone around dwellings.
Industrial wind turbines ‘should not be built within 1.5 miles of people’s homes. Let it be understood, however, that there w ill be health and life quality problems caused by wind turbines beyond this radius. People living 1.5 – 3 miles from a proposed turbines site should be notified of potential health and life quality effects, and for this they should be appropriately compensated’
Nina Pierpont MD, PhD
National Alliance Of Windfarm Action Groups
Justification For The Call For A Minimum 2km Exclusion Zone Around Dwellings
October 2009
.
Stone & Trent Valley opposed to Severn Trent Water
