Jody Harrison
Reporter
EXPERTS have called for a revamp of the methods used to predict the amount
of noise generated by onshore windfarms, saying that the current system of
modelling is failing the public.
A study into the visual and aural impact of turbines at ten sites in
Scotland found has said that more care should be taken to identify noise
issues, and that more consideration should be given to its impact on people
living nearby.
The report, carried out by the think tank ClimateXChange, is the first of
its kind to compare the predicted effects of windfarm developments to what
happened after the banks of turbines were switched on.
It found that Scotland’s wind-powered renewable energy sites met with
current planning regulations, but suggested that these should be reviewed
to ensure that future developments achieve consistency in future.
Among issues raised by the report was that some assessments and public
engagement activities had not adequately prepared residents for the impacts
of the operational wind farm, and that the impacts predicted in documents
submitted with developers’ planning applications did not always match the
reality of the completed project.
Ragne Low, Project Manager for ClimateXChange said: “As the study has
focussed on issues relating to the planning process, we are confident that
the findings will feed into improved practice in measuring the predicted
impacts of proposed wind farms, and in communicating this to
decision-makers and those likely to be affected.”
He added that they point to several possible improvements to guidance and
good practice, some of which have already been implemented.
Linda Holt, spokesperson for Scotland Against Spin, which campaigns for
reform of wind energy policy, said: “This study is the first of its kind in
the world to put the the experience of people living near wind farms at its
heart. For too long, people who have complained about wind farms have been
dismissed as nimbies.
“The recommendations show that the planning system is ill-equipped to
address potentially adverse impacts on wind farm neighbours, and we urge
the Scottish Government to lose no time in implementing them.”
A Scottish Renewables spokesman said it highlights the high standards of
guidance available for windfarm planners.
A Scottish Government spokesman said the study shows improvements have
already been made to planning, and it is rigorous and ensures appropriate
siting of wind farms.
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