An investigation has been launched after a complaint about noise at the
largest operational windfarm in Angus.
The region has only one large-scale windfarm, at Ark Hill near Glamis,
where there are eight turbines measuring 266ft.
Construction began in 2012 but a complaint has been made to Angus Council
over alleged breaches of noise conditions.
A council spokeswoman said: “We are currently seeking confirmation from Ark
Hill that the planning condition relating to noise is being complied with.
“No planning enforcement notice has been served or is in process.”
According to the Angus Council planning portal, the possible breach of
conditions is “pending consideration”.
Former army captain Andrew Vivers has previously described suffering from
headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, raised blood pressure and disturbed sleep
since Ark Hill was built near his home in Glamis.
Mr Vivers, who served almost 10 years in the military, said the authorities
had so far refused to accept the ill-effects of infrasound despite it being
a “known military interrogation aid and weapon”.
He said: “When white noise was disallowed they went on to infrasound. If it
is directed at you, you can feel your brain or your body vibrating.
“With wind turbines, you don’t realise that is what’s happening to you.
“It is bonkers that infrasound low-frequency noise monitoring is not
included in any environmental assessments.
“It should be mandatory before and after turbine erection.”
The scheme was originally submitted by Renewable Energy Systems (RES) but
was carried forward by a consortium including Green Cat Renewables and
Strathmore Estates, on whose land the farm sits.
An initial application for a 12-turbine windfarm on the Strathmore Estate
was submitted by RES to Angus Council in April 2000.
RES subsequently withdrew the original application in June 2001 to redesign
the site.
A revised scheme of eight turbines was submitted to the local authority in
July 2003.
In June 2006, the council development control committee resolved to consent
the application subject to a Section 75 agreement.
Planning permission was granted in February 2009, with conditions that the
finished scheme would not exceed certain noise levels.
Green Cat said it is fully complying with the council’s investigation but
it is too early to comment on specifics of the complaint.
“I don’t believe the council have substantial evidence at this point,” said
the firm’s Cameron Sutherland.
“From when we received this notice, we have worked with the officers fully.
“There was some monitoring carried out two years ago when the windfarm
became fully operational.
“Our expectation is that monitoring will start next month.
“However, it’s likely that the council will look at particular conditions
and you can’t order those up.
“It may be April before a report can be made.”
The breach allegation related to noise profile “curves” at Chamberwells,
Nether Handwick and Western Denoon.
Noise levels should not exceed 35 decibels at these areas, where wind
speeds are up to 10 metres per second at 10 metres from ground level.
Ark Hill windfarm noise complaint being investigated, Courier, 18 Feb 15
Gillian Bishop
Today at 9:07 AM
To
Gillian Bishop
Ark Hill windfarm noise complaint being investigated
An investigation has been launched after a complaint about noise at the
largest operational windfarm in Angus.
The region has only one large-scale windfarm, at Ark Hill near Glamis,
where there are eight turbines measuring 266ft.
Construction began in 2012 but a complaint has been made to Angus Council
over alleged breaches of noise conditions.
A council spokeswoman said: “We are currently seeking confirmation from Ark
Hill that the planning condition relating to noise is being complied with.
“No planning enforcement notice has been served or is in process.”
According to the Angus Council planning portal, the possible breach of
conditions is “pending consideration”.
Former army captain Andrew Vivers has previously described suffering from
headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, raised blood pressure and disturbed sleep
since Ark Hill was built near his home in Glamis.
Mr Vivers, who served almost 10 years in the military, said the authorities
had so far refused to accept the ill-effects of infrasound despite it being
a “known military interrogation aid and weapon”.
He said: “When white noise was disallowed they went on to infrasound. If it
is directed at you, you can feel your brain or your body vibrating.
“With wind turbines, you don’t realise that is what’s happening to you.
“It is bonkers that infrasound low-frequency noise monitoring is not
included in any environmental assessments.
“It should be mandatory before and after turbine erection.”
The scheme was originally submitted by Renewable Energy Systems (RES) but
was carried forward by a consortium including Green Cat Renewables and
Strathmore Estates, on whose land the farm sits.
An initial application for a 12-turbine windfarm on the Strathmore Estate
was submitted by RES to Angus Council in April 2000.
RES subsequently withdrew the original application in June 2001 to redesign
the site.
A revised scheme of eight turbines was submitted to the local authority in
July 2003.
In June 2006, the council development control committee resolved to consent
the application subject to a Section 75 agreement.
Planning permission was granted in February 2009, with conditions that the
finished scheme would not exceed certain noise levels.
Green Cat said it is fully complying with the council’s investigation but
it is too early to comment on specifics of the complaint.
“I don’t believe the council have substantial evidence at this point,” said
the firm’s Cameron Sutherland.
“From when we received this notice, we have worked with the officers fully.
“There was some monitoring carried out two years ago when the windfarm
became fully operational.
“Our expectation is that monitoring will start next month.
“However, it’s likely that the council will look at particular conditions
and you can’t order those up.
“It may be April before a report can be made.”
The breach allegation related to noise profile “curves” at Chamberwells,
Nether Handwick and Western Denoon.
Noise levels should not exceed 35 decibels at these areas, where wind
speeds are up to 10 metres per second at 10 metres from ground level.
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