Wind Turbine, Alpro NV, Burton Latimer

Alpro NV were proposing to install a single wind turbine of 2 MW close to their site on Altendiez Way, Burton Latimer and required a noise impact assessment to be carried out. An early feasibility study was required prior to any detailed noise impact assessment. The assessment had due reference to the Kettering Borough Council Planning Permission requirements for the nearby Burton on the Wold Windfarm.

The appropriate Government guidance document for renewable energy is Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS 22) Renewable Energy and the companion document Planning for renewable Energy: A Companion Guide to PPS22, covering renewable energy forms such as wind. PPS22 States that noise from wind turbines should be assessed and rated as described in The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms, ETSU-R-97 (DTI 1997).

WBM carried out baseline noise surveys at 5 locations representative of the nearest noise sensitive properties to the proposed site, including wind speed measurements. These properties included both residential dwellings and commercially sensitive premises that might be affected by noise.  

The calculations and assessment considered the nearest noise sensitive receptors and it demonstrated that with the exception of the Clients own premises noise levels from the proposed wind turbine would be in line with the recommendations of ETSU-R-97. With appropriate readily achieved mitigation measures the Client's commercial premises could also be brought into line with the requirements of ETSU-R-97 and the guidance given in British Standard (BS) 8233: 1999 Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings - Code of Practice.

Posted Date: 06th Jan 2011