Pontefract Windfarm Action Group

Wind turbine noise rules are outdated, say campaigners

BBC News news.bbc.co.uk 26 November 2009

The government urgently needs to update its guidance on how local authorities should assess the impact of noise from wind turbines, campaigners have said.

Experts say existing rules on turbine noise are out of date

Environmental Protection UK say turbines are now so large, the noise generated by the turning blades can affect those living nearby.

The pressure group believes that changes in technology are not being reflected in the current guidelines.

The government says it is continuing research into the impact of noise.

Environmental Protection UK campaigns to minimise noise pollution - as well as reducing air pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases.

It is supported by the UK government, Environment Agency and Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Radical overhaul

Experts working for the group say the government guidelines on acceptable noise levels for wind turbines were due for revision 11 years ago and there has been little sign that changes in wind turbine technology is reflected in these rules.

They add that this guidance was designed for structures of about 90ft (27m) in height, but some applications for wind farms include turbines that are at least three times higher.

The group says that current guidance assumes that background noise at ground level, such as the rustling of leaves, would help mask the noise of the blades turning.

Turbines are becoming so big, the group says, that any masking effect on the ground could be cancelled out.

Environmental Protection UK argue the rules need a radical overhaul, otherwise applications for new wind farms are in danger of being rejected.

BBC News

news.bbc.co.uk

26 November 2009

Expected decision date

Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 - Section 55 And Schedule 2

Appeal by Banks Renewables

Site at Land West Of Westfield Lane, Darrington, Wakefield, WF8 3AQ

Following the closure of the inquiry the Inspector is now preparing his report and recommendation for submission to the Secretary of State for his consideration.

In accordance with Schedule 2 to the above Act, the Secretary of State will issue his decision on or before 22 April 2010.

BBC sells the wind farm scam to farmers

Article by Christopher Booker Telegraph www.telegraph.co.uk 21 November 2009

The BBC loves to talk about wind farms, but not about the glaring matter of their costly inefficiency, says Christopher Booker.

When the BBC runs one of its propaganda campaigns in favour of windfarms, as Farming Today was again doing recently, the only point of interest is how many of the basic facts they leave out. One thing they invariably try to conceal is how derisory is the amount of electricity these windmills produce.