This important document critiques the ETSU-R-97 environmental assessment of noise from wind turbines in the United Kingdom. The ETSU-R-97 was written by a Noise Working Group (NWG) set up in 1995 by the Department of Trade and Industry through ETSU (the Energy Technology Support Unit). The noise policy is still in effect today and followed by wind developers outside of the United Kingdom.

This brief filed by sleep expert, Dr. Christopher Hanning, reviews the potential consequences of wind turbine noise and, in particular, its effect on sleep and health and to make recommendations with regard to minimum setback distances. Dr. Hanning considers whether, in the absence of new national guidance should there be minimum or recommended separation distances between commercial scale wind developments and residential properties and other sensitive developments?”

Wind Prospect LTD, developers of the Deeping St Nicholas, Gedney Marsh, and Bicker Wind Farms received consent to erect the controversial Green Rigg Fell wind facility consisting of eighteen 2 megawatt turbines (36 MW). This letter prepared by Wind Prospect's attorneys, Hammond LTD, raises concern over possible noise impacts on a Holiday Centre and Equestrian Development proposed to be built near the wind project. The letter was submitted to the Northumberland County Planning Department which is expected to approve the Holiday Centre.

This paper is based on proofs of evidence produced for several UK Planning Inquiries. As such, it concentrates on the regulatory system in the UK. Other jurisdictions will have different systems.The aim is to inform those seeking to regulate the siting of wind turbines close to human habitation. It will be updated regularly as new information comes to hand. Users are encouraged to check the Society for Wind Vigilance Website for the latest updates.

Jane and Julian Davis filed this complaint before the High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division in reference to noise emissions from the eight REpower MM 82 – 2 MW turbines, collectively known as Deeping St Nicholas windcluster. The complaint that was filed with the court on March 8, 2010 seeks injunctive relief to stop the turbines from causing continued nuisance. General damages are also requested for loss of amenity suffered by the Davis' including diminution in value together with costs of renting alternative housing.

In 2006 the UK Government published a crucial report on wind turbine noise and its effects on nearby residents. The study, conducted by acoustics noise and vibration consultants Hayes McKenzie Partnership (HMP), has since been used to support the position that existing Government wind farm noise guidelines were adequate and that there are no health ramifications of turbine noise at neighbouring dwellings. Mr. Mike Hulme of the Den Brook Judicial Review Group, a group of local residents opposing a wind turbine development close to their houses in Devon in the UK, submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request asking to see all draft versions of the Hayes McKenzie Partnership (HMP). The documents were finally released to Mr. Hulme and they reveal that the final published report silently removed earlier recommendations on noise. A summary of Mr. Hulme's findings, including three drafts of the study report can be accessed by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.

Jane Davis of the UK tracked problems with noise from a wind farm located 930 meters from her home. Her daily log, accessed by clicking on the link below, covers the period from summer 2006 to summer 2007. She and her family have since abandoned their home due to health issues related to the noise.

Julian and Jane Davis reside on a farm in the Fens in Lincolnshire England. Shortly following the construction of a wind farm within 1000 meters of their home they had started to hear the noise of the turbines. This important paper, presented at the Wind Turbine Noise conference Sep 20-21, 2007, in Lyon, France, documents the “devastating effects of wind turbine noise pollution when wind farms are sited too close to homes or otherwise inappropriately sited.”

Based on these findings, Government does not consider there to be a compelling case for further work into AM and will not carry out any further research at this time; however it will continue to keep the issue under review. Government continues to support the approach set out in Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 22 - Renewable Energy. This approach is for local planning authorities to "ensure that renewable energy developments have been located and designed in such a way to minimise increases in ambient noise levels", through the use of the 1997 report by ETSU to assess and rate noise from wind energy developments.