the development process

Prior to making a planning application, all the environmental issues are studied in depth to ensure each site is suitable for a wind farm development and that any environmental impacts are sufficiently outweighed by the environmental benefits. These studies often take up to two years to complete. The findings are then presented within an environmental statement to accompany the planning application (these documents will be publicly available).

The issues considered include the following.

Noise: Modern wind turbines are a very quiet form of generation and the noise emitted is so little that it is possible to hold a conversation under a turbine without raising your voice.

Whirlwind complies with recommended industry best practice and we will ensure that the impact of operational noise will comply with ETSU Guidance (The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms ETSU-R-97, ETSU for the DTI, 1996).

The ETSU Guidance states that it will not be necessary to conduct site-specific background noise monitoring if background noise levels are predicted to be within certain defined levels.  Where necessary, we will analyse noise levels at nearby residences to ensure that a wind farm will not be a noise nuisance to its neighbours.

Ecology:. Assessments are carried out to establish the effect of the development on local flora and fauna.

Birdlife: The RSPB is consulted and bird surveys are carried out over different seasons, to establish whether or not the proposed turbines will have an effect on local bird life.

The RSPB has made the following comments on wind power

“The available evidence suggests that appropriately positioned wind farms do not pose a significant hazard for birds.” 

"in the UK, we have not so far witnessed any major adverse effects on birds associated with wind farms".

Electromagnetic Interference:  As with any structure, if a wind turbine is placed directly across a telecommunications signal, such as a mobile phone link or TV transmission link, interference can occur.  We will write to numerous consultees for each potential site to identify whether any signals are present.

Civil and Military Aviation:  UK airspace is very crowded and so the Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Defence and the National Air Traffic Services are all consulted over the positioning of our turbines. The general concern is radar interference rather than physical obstruction.

Cultural Heritage:  Assessments are carried out to establish the effect of the development on cultural heritage sites or archaeological remains.