Legal compensation for wind farm disturbance

Onshore wind farms are the most established large-scale source of renewable energy in the UK. Wind turbine noise is of two sorts, mechanical (deriving from gearboxes, generators, auxiliary equipment etc) and aerodynamic (in flow turbulence at the front of the blade, airfoil turbulence at the trailing edge and tip of the blade). The latter is dominant. Noise can have health effects including sleep disturbance and performance reduction, annoyance responses, and effects on social behaviour.

This paper sets out a review of the legal frameworks for environmental compensation and their potential application in compensating householders for noise and flicker disturbance associated with the operation of wind turbines and for loss of value to privately owned property.

Taken from recent edition of Scottish Planning and Environmental Law (SPEL), please contact Christine Eccleson for details of how to subscibe.