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Wind turbines are strictly regulated to ensure that they do not cause unreasonable noise levels. As part of the environmental impact assessment submitted with the planning application we have to conduct detailed technical studies to demonstrate that any noise created will be within these regulations. Furthermore the Local Authority retain the rights to shut down the windfarm if it is outside the noise regulations. One of the reasons supporting the site selection was the separation distance between properties available to ensure avoidance of any noise issue. Some windfarms are as close as 500m from properties. The majority of local properties are over 750m away from a turbine, the closest property at Newton Down is approximately 660m away from a turbine, however is next to a road with significant background noise. Furthermore the Newton Down site benefits from a small number of turbines limiting the noise level and other sources of local background noise such as the quarry, roads, etc. masking any noise from the windfarm. The noise studies and regulations are extremely technical. However, it is helpful to have a layman's appreciation of noise levels. The noise level outdoors at the closest properties to the windfarm is forecast at approximately 35-40 decibels (dB). Indoors it will be significantly less than this depending on how many doors and windows are open. Also the existing background noise from roads, wind, house noises will further reduce the appreciable noise from the windfarm. To put this figure in context please find some comparators below:
Source:
The Scottish Office, Environment Department, Planning Advice Note,
Source:Health and Safety Executive (http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm)
Low Frequency Noise Welsh Assembly policy provides the best assurances with regard to this issue. "There
is no evidence that ground transmitted low frequency noise from wind turbines
is at a
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