CAMPAIGNERS concerned a proposed development for a wind farm near Rooksbridge will create noise pollution have welcomed a council assessment.

NoPilrow, which is against an application by Broadview Energy to build four 130-metre turbines on land at Pilrow Farm, welcomed news that Sedgemoor District Council will conduct a noise risk assessment.

The developer carried out its own noise risk assessment but the council has appointed an independent noise expert to assess the risk of noise pollution at the site.

NoPilrow spokesman David Maund said: “It is good Sedgemoor is taking the issue of noise seriously.

“Unfortunately the legislation ETSU-97, regulating noise and wind farms, is considered by many noise consultants to be not fit for purpose.”

But a spokesman for Broadview Energy said a government review of the ETSU guidance last year found ‘there is no substantive evidence that the fundamental guidelines are unsound and the Government therefore has no plans to revise them.’ Broadview welcomed the noise assessment review and said the guidelines place enforceable restrictions on noise levels created by wind farms at neighbouring properties.

The spokesman added: “If the wind farm is incapable of operating within the prescribed limits then it will be forced to cease operation until it can be demonstrated that the planning permission can be complied with.

“At Pilrow, our assessment has demonstrated the proposed wind farm can operate comfortably within the ETSU limits at all times.”