July 7, 2014
Wales

End in sight to problem of noisy wind turbine

Staff reporter | New North Wales | 07 July 2014 | www.newsnorthwales.co.uk

Action has been promised to quieten a wind turbine which caused anger in a community due to its “helicopter-like” noise.

The energy-saving 10kw turbine was installed in the grounds of Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Rhosesmor last summer, 20 metres away from the school building.

But it caused uproar among local residents who started a petition calling for it to be removed, with the noise being described as “unacceptable” and being compared to the sound of a helicopter.

Council officers say they are now liaising with a company to sort the problem by attaching less noisy blades to the power generator.

Ysgol Rhos Helyg headteacher Gareth Roberts says he is confident the issue will be resolved over the summer break to avoid a repeat of last year’s windy winter discontent.

Mr Roberts has said he also stands by his previous comments of supporting the community’s desire to see the turbine removed if noise levels remain “unsatisfactory”.

He has said that it is currently not making any noise due to better weather, but added he wants the issue sorted out before the start of the winter.

Locals have likened the noise to a helicopter hovering overhead.

“I’m very confident the noise issue will be resolved,” said Mr Roberts.

“We’re very much part of the community and we want to ensure that the neighbours are happy with the noise levels.

“If they are unsatisfactory, the wind turbine will be dismantled and taken away.”

Neal Cockerton, chief officer for organisational change, said Flintshire Council was aware of the noise concerns after issues were raised by residents in surrounding properties last winter.

He said: “This was due to a protective tape on the turbine blades intended to protect the edges of the blades from weather damage becoming partially detached during severe storms last winter.

“This then caused more noise emissions than had been originally anticipated.”
Mr Cockerton added: “Council officers have been in discussions with the installer to resolve the issue.

“However, the council has now appointed an alternative approved company to manage the fitting of substitute blades with suitable modifications.”

A date when work will still is yet to be confirmed.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/07/end-in-sight-to-problem-of-noisy-wind-turbine/