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Residents reassured over wind farm noise in Lincolnshire plans
Credit: Lincolnshire Echo, www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk 30 July 2011 ~~
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People living near a new wind farm would not be exposed to “significant” levels of noise, according to a report.
The findings came after a month-long study at houses near the proposed facility in Heckington Fen.
Predicted noise levels from the 22-turbine wind farm were compared with measurements taken from the six closest houses, and showed there would not be a significant impact.
The findings were included in the non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement, published as part of the application for the site.
The proposal is currently being considered by the Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Developer Ecotricity highlighted a number of environmental impacts of the project, but said they would not be significant.
The report states: “Homes are far away enough from the turbines not to be significantly affected by noise or shadow effects.
“The final layout aims to mitigate against all of the identified environmental impacts where possible.”
According to the report, there will be minor impacts on some birds.
It states: “Though there may be minor impacts on locally wintering golden plover, skylarks and breeding barn owls as a result of birds colliding with rotating turbine blades ,the wind park has been designed to minimise the impacts.”
There would be no significant impacts on traffic, wildlife habitat loss, nearby heritage sites and aviation.
The same was found for public safety, air quality, tourism and agriculture.
There would also be no interference to signals from TV, radar or mobile masts.
The report states there would be significant visual impacts on the immediate area, but not beyond this.
It states: “Heckington Fen Wind Park would cause a limited number of significant effects to the landscape character and views within 2km of the site.”
Ecotricity also claim the development would provide a “strong local landmark”.
Spokesman Mike Cheshire said the overall response from 200 residents who gave feedback was that they were neither for nor against the project.
He said: “We asked people to score between one for being in favour of the development, up to five for being dead against it and were encouraged that the average score was exactly in the middle at three.
Heckington resident David Hopkins, 44, said: “I think it’s a good idea. There are much worse things we could have.
“The best renewable resource is sitting under our feet in geothermal energy, but wind energy will do for now.
“It’s bound to have some visual impact because they are enormous structures.
“My only objection is that the turbines will not be made in Britain.”
Resident, Jeff Wise, 70, said: “My personal view is that I’m not certain wind farms are as efficient as they have been claimed to be.
“But if it helps to liberate us from reliance on Middle Eastern oil and Russian gas, then it’s a good thing.
“I don’t believe the visual impact of it will be insignificant because of the scale of the things.”
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