Putting aside the conclusions we come to regarding the economic and environmental usefulness of such farms I would like to draw your attention particularly to information regarding the effect on health, wildlife and property prices. Note that regarding noise, which cannot be predicted before a site becomes operational, the medical recommendation is that turbines should be no closer than 1.5 miles from dwellings to avoid possible permanent health problems and I understand there are recommendations in the USA which specify that they should be no closer than 3 miles from schools because of their effect on learning and speech. The low frequency element of noise from wind turbines appears to be particularly nasty and caused the World Health Organisation to recognise it as a cause for “immediate concern” – a change of view that has not been reflected in planning guidance. Whilst some of these issues may not be pertinent to planning per se, we feel that they should be looked at very closely in relation to the EU Human Rights Act.

I would like to draw your attention to “Guidelines for Community Noise 1999“ (WHO), Report from the National Academy of Medicine (2006) and “Location, Location, Location” (UK Noise Association, Aug 2006).

I understand that many countries, including Scotland, now have a 2km minimum distance between wind farms and the nearest dwelling and urge that you adopt this approach, at the very least.

Margaret Wright, Chair, Foxton Parish Council « Less