September 29, 2011
England

MP takes up residents’ concerns over noisy wind farm

North Devon Journal, www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk 29 September 2011

North Devon’s MP is acting on the complaints made by those who live near Fullabrook Wind Farm by setting up an online forum where problems can be logged.

Nick Harvey met privately with nearly 20 residents last week to hear the problems they have been experiencing, particularly regarding the noise the turbines make.

The MP left the meeting having given most of those who attended hope he is aware of the issues and is working towards getting them resolved.

One Pippacott resident who attended the meeting, John Pearce, said: “It’s a start, we have got to put up a fight.

“I don’t think we are sure where Nick stands on it but he was able to answer questions and also gave us the hope it is a matter he will pursue.”

Mr Harvey said: “They have got to be patient, at the moment the council can’t test the noise.

“For those who are affected the online survey will mean issues can be registered and create an accurate picture.

“I will be taking the matter to both the district council and the government.”

The company behind the wind farm ESB International is aware of the complaints being made about the site and are acting on them.

A spokesman from the company said: “ESB has already met some of the formal complainants to understand their concerns.

“When the wind farm enters full commercial operation ESB, with the agreement of North Devon Council, is required to arrange for a formal set of tests to demonstrate the wind farm is operating within the stringent noise limits set out in the planning conditions. If the tests reveal the wind farm is not compliant with these limits, then remedial action must be taken by ESB.

“However, in addition, ESB has also now commissioned its noise consultant to undertake noise measurement at certain neighbouring properties to seek to address those concerns.”

He added: “If there are instances where it is believed that mobile phone signals have deteriorated as a direct result of the wind farm, then these should be brought to the attention of ESB and will be investigated.

“So far, no approaches have been made to us.”

ESB also confirmed a specialist company has been asked to investigate claims of TV interference.

The online forum is expected to be up and running within the next week.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/09/29/mp-takes-up-residents-concerns-over-noisy-wind-farm/