Wind farms, a noise nuisance?

But while environmentalists have championed the prospect of up to 200 giant wind turbines rising 145m out of the Channel, there are growing concerns about the presence of a next-generation wind farm off the New Forest coast.

The Noise Abatement Society (NAS) has today issued a stark warning that public health could suffer from low frequency noise and a possible hum.

Meanwhile the Hamble-based Royal Yachting Association (RYA) said the proposed site west of the Isle of Wight, one of nine in UK waters ministers hope will together be able to deliver 32GW, or a quarter of the UK’s total electricity needs, was of “greatest concern”.

Tourism bosses too are keen for more information after revelations that the wind farm – about 12 miles from the coast, or even closer – could be visible from the shoreline, which would have wide implications for the enjoyment of the pebbled beaches and waters along the Forest coastline.

The NAS is familiar with complaints about the health effects of onshore wind farms, and has seen a “significant” increase in recent years.

Locals near the wind farm at Bears Down in Cornwall, for example, say they have experienced headaches, migraines, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, tinnitus, sleep disorders, stress anxiety and depression.

NAS managing director Lisa Lavia said more research was needed into the offshore variety.

She said: “We welcome this development in principle but further research and consideration needs to be given to the low frequency noise and vibration that such structures cause. If not sited correctly, public health will suffer considerably.”

The society points to a review for the Department for environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) which found low frequency noise and hum can cause annoyance, loss of sleep, body vibrations and stress.

The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), the trade body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries, claims the environmental impact of offshore wind farms is “considerably reduced” compared with onshore and that “both noise and visual impact are unlikely to be issues”.

A mao showing the location of the proposed new wind farm

Although the turbines will need to be marked with lights to help navigation, the BWEA says they will not be nearly as bright as the beam from lighthouses and more like the lights currently found on buoys.

The designs are yet to be finalised, but the turbines could be up to 183m tall – bigger than the 170m Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth – with 126m-wide blades. With some due to sit in water 38m deep, that could still leave structures above the surface that are higher than Salisbury Cathedral.

Dutch-based Eneco, owner and operator of 28 wind farms, which was given exclusive rights to develop the new wind farm by the Crown Estates, claims they will only be seen far in the distance on a clear day.

Eneco director of business Guy Madgwick stated his hope they would become a “a matter of civic pride, not a threat”.

But New Forest Association chairman William Ziegler this week warned objections would be made if it “dominated the landscape”.

Forest groups are already wary of the plans and are on alert.

John Trott, chairman of the New Milton, Barton and District Residents’ Association said he was keen for further information.

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Steve Avery, director of strategy and planning for the New Forest National Park Authority, said: “This is a significant proposal and if there are implications for the National Park we will be looking at it closely.”

Tourism South East said it would also be carefully studying the implications.

South West Hampshire Green Party spokesman John Spottiswoode recognised there would be concerns but added: “I’m more concerned about reducing the carbon footprint and making sure we have renewable energy.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency believes the new wind farm could also threaten shipping routes and has warned that the developers will need to meet guidance on marine navigational safety risks.

The RYA, which represents recreational boating, said of the nine proposed zones, those west of the Isle of Wight, in the Bristol Channel and in the Irish Sea were of “greatest concern”.

Kate Moore, RYA planning and environmental advisor said: “In general the [new] wind zones will be more than 12 miles offshore but these three areas could be closer and therefore present some really serious issues for recreational boaters.”

She said there were concerns about collisions, loss of cruising routes, and the effect on sailing and racing areas.

The Government wants its wind turbine vision to become a reality by 2020. Construction is due to start in 2016 but experts say Britain will need to spend about £15 billion to improve its electricity grid, attract huge investment and boost its supply chain to make the projects viable.