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Speaking Out: Wind Farms - Beauty or Blot?

Are wind farms a graceful and necessary presence on our horizons, or an unnecessary evil and a blot on the landscape?

Statistics reveal that in 2010, almost half of all onshore UK wind farm applications were turned down. From a total of 66 submissions put forward last year, 32 were rejected, which resulted in the lowest number of successful applications since 2005.

According to statistics by law firm McGrigors, the percentage of rejections (48%) has risen significantly over the last five years, compared to 33% in 2009 and 29% in 2005. However, with no supporting figures it is difficult to draw accurate comparisons between the physical number of applications and those that were rejected.

What this does show however is that in many parts of the UK, strong public feeling and local action is successfully overthrowing a large amount of proposed wind farm locations, and potentially subduing government plans to generate up to a third of the UK's energy from wind farms by 2020.

If this long-term objective is to be met, thousands of new onshore wind farms will need to be built. But with just 9 years to go, this target is looking somewhat threatened.

The arguments against wind farms are largely based on aesthetics, amid fears that wind farms are unsightly and a 'blot on the landscape', along with claims that they are noisy and can damage house prices. There are also concerns about the efficiency of wind power, with some reports suggesting that wind power is intermittent.

The argument about the appearance of wind farms is, naturally, down to personal preference - but public opinion appears to be largely split.

A survey carried out in July 2006 among 973 adults, conducted by GfK NOP, shows that just over half of respondents (52%) disagreed with the notion that wind farms are ugly or unsightly, with 21% having no strong views.

However the same survey also produced more assertive figures, as 76% of people in the UK agreed that wind farms are necessary for the creation of renewable energy, and 60% thought that because they are a necessary, what they look like is unimportant. 56% said they would be happy to have a wind farm in their local area.

In 2010 a YouGov poll of 1,000 people, which was conducted in Scotland for Scottish Renewables, found that support for wind farms had risen to 78% - in increase on 73% from five years previously.

When asked if they thought that wind farms are 'ugly and a blot on the landscape', 52% of respondents disagreed with the statement, while a further 59% of those polled agree that wind farms are necessary so that we can produce renewable energy and 'what they look like is unimportant'.

The argument that wind farms can damage house prices appears to be a somewhat grey area, with different surveys and consultative advice offering conflicting information.

In 2004, studies by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found that 60% of the survey sampled suggested a decrease in the value of residential property where the wind farm was within view, and 67% found a downward impact on prices when a planning application was made.

In 2007, Peter Dent and Dr Sally Sims of Oxford Brookes University attempted to put an end to speculation by carrying out a study in Cornwall, based on the effects of wind farm developments on residential house prices. The research concluded that "other factors" were "more significant than the presence of a wind farm" when it came to the reasons behind a drop in house prices.

The report also found that to some extent, wind farm developers are avoiding potential problems by locating their developments where the impact on prices would be minimised.

However, the report also found that many of the objectors for Cornwall-based wind farms are actually from other areas, as Dr Sims pointed out: "In very few cases are the objections from local people. People from Scotland are objecting to wind farms in Cornwall," - prompting the term NISEBYs (Not In Someone Else's Backyard), as opposed to NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard).

Across the pond, a study on US house prices by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which assessed data from 7,459 residential home sales, found that "neither the view of the wind facilities nor the distance of the home to those facilities is found to have any consistent, measurable, and statistically significant effect on home sales prices".

In response to this, a spokesman for the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) claimed that it added to a growing body of evidence that found no link between wind farms and a drop in nearby house prices.

"We've been saying this all along," said the spokesperson. "Every single study we know of plus all the anecdotal evidence points out there is no link between wind farms and house prices. It is simply a myth and it is time it is laid to rest."

Perhaps then, the threat of a wind farm is having more of an impact than the actual presence of one?

Apparently, not so for those living within close proximity to a turbine. A legal case involving Jane Davis, who claimed that local turbines were so loud that they kept her and her husband awake at night, gave the Davis's the right to claim a cheaper council tax on their property. "For people living near wind farms, both now and in the future, it will be a disaster," she said. "This isn't about Nimbyism, but the rights of ordinary people to live a normal life."

As the argument for and against wind farms continues, the fact remains that there is a desperate need for renewable and sustainable energy to replace our current reliance on oil and fossil fuels. The question is, are wind farms the way forward? If not, is there a more sustainable form of energy that will affect less people - or will there always be unwelcome side-effects?

The government has focussed on wind power largely due to the abundance of suitable sites within the UK both on and off shore. The UK is already reportedly ranked as the world's eighth largest producer of wind power, and this form of energy is currently the second largest source of renewable energy in the country.

However, development of wind energy is impeded and wind farm developers feel that they are not getting a "balanced hearing", as local objectors are being given too much priority.

"There is little willingness to consider the benefits of renewable energy generation in context - the national interest is being overridden by local concerns," said Jacqueline Harris, a Partner at law firm McGrigors. "There is a lack of balance - even single turbines, which can generate enough electricity for a few thousand houses, are being rejected because of the visual impact on a handful of properties."

With or without opposition, the number of wind farms is expected to increase for the foreseeable future as the government ploughs towards its 2020 target, and aims to create a more sustainable environment for future generations.

What are your views on wind farm developments - friend or foe, beauty or beast? Is it the best form of sustainable energy for the UK? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

Image: Derrybrien wind farm, Co Galway, Ireland.

Published by Jo on Monday, 18 July 2011 at 4:15 PM

12 Comments

Sarah W on July 19 2011 at 9:00 AM

Anyone who opposes the development of wind farms are small minded and living in a dream world. We need to change the way we live and the way we source and use energy. Wind power is sustainable, renewable, it has minimal impact on the environment and they are nice to look at - unlike our existing grotty power stations!! I appreciate they may disrupt a handful of people but we need to look at the bigger picture now. Any solution will always have an effect on a minority of people. Or maybe this minority are dinosaurs that just like to stand in the way of progress?

Clare Hudson on July 19 2011 at 9:47 AM

I think that a mix of wind turbines (on and off land),Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and tidal power is the way forward for the UK. We are an Island after all- Lets make use of the sea! As for people who complain about the aesthetics, I agree with Sarah W, have they not seen our current power stations?

Tim Finch on July 19 2011 at 12:12 PM

You both have it very wrong - your way will only lead to the destruction of our countryside and the spread of an urban outlook.

I would put money on you both living within a large town or city with no concept of what makes the countryside special.

While you may choose to live somewhere without views or open space this is not for everyone! And if this idea continues to spread it will be yet another gunshot wound to my and many others way of life.

Gareth P on July 19 2011 at 2:13 PM

Tim, what you are effectively saying is that the view of a nice hill to a few households (often incomers to an area too) is more important than the climate and environment of the world or at least the UK. What a selfish attitude.

As for 'destruction of our countryside', well we have already done that. You think all those fields and grass are natural? Humans did that. We cleared forests so we could have pastures for our livestock. Lots of it.

I grew up in an area of outstanding natural beauty and knowing the efforts that wind farm developers have to undertake to minimise the visual impact and that the alternatives are toxic fumes and nuclear waste issues, I would happily see turbines dotted over it.

Other arguments include: 'It scares animals and kills birds'. Many wind farms have animals grazing under them and Whitelee in Scotland has a visitor’s centre and miles of track for cyclists, dog walkers and horses. You can stand under them. The animals couldn't care less. Climate change and airports are a greater danger to birds.

'They are too noisy'. Rubbish. I have stood under the turbines at Whitelee and only just heard it on a 'good wind day'. Considering that they are sited just under a kilometre away, this is a stupid argument.

Innovation and invention was what Britain did best. We have an opportunity to make a thriving business in the UK, be world leaders of something again, clean up our country and create jobs (mid Wales plans would bring in an estimate £1 billion). But this means nothing if the minority objectors like you keep getting your way with your narrow minded views.

What makes the countryside special to you Tim? Is it under threat by climate change and our over reliance on fossil fuels and our demand for more energy? Probably. The Great British Wildlife, flora fauna are all under threat unless we embrace alternative methods of generating energy. If that means that a turbine, on a hill a couple of kilometres away, can be seen over the top of your Daily Mail whilst your sat on your retired bum in your conservatory is a gunshot wound to your way of life then maybe your way of life is no longer relevant or current.

In the words of Mr Spock: The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

Live long and prosper Mister, let’s hope our environment does too.

Fiona R on July 19 2011 at 2:58 PM

Directed at Gareth P, some wind farms don't have an assoicated noise, some do. I visited the Davis Farm, and while the noises they were hearing did not affect me in the same manner - I was able to block out the noise, I got physical symptoms, itching ears, heart racing and skin distrubances, and after a few days of staying at the farm, the noise became like a squeak in a car - always there. The physical effects from noise can not be established by an hours visit, stay in the vacinity for 3 days or more, and try and hold down a job when you've been bumped awake several times in the night by AM low frequency noise - I promise you it's not great!

The Deeping St Nicholas wind farm only produces on average 7% of capacity, has evidence of damage to wildlife, and the environmental impact of building the turbines will never be recouped / off set against their contribution to national power grid in their proposed 20 year life time.

I agree that we should be looking for renewable and sustainable energy, but wind farming (particularly on land) is not the answer right now. New designs are coming from europe which are more efficent and less noisy.

My opinion is that the wind-energy drive was pushed through by politions to appease the green debate without much thought, or information. The official stance is that wind farms do not cause a noise nuisence, but there is an annual wind farm noise conference held in europe each year since 1997 - why have a conference if there is no noise?

Oh, and I don't read the daily mail

Gareth P on July 19 2011 at 5:06 PM

You should, The Daily Mail has a great crossword :)

Ok so the noise aspect is still in debate, recently hyped by the BBC totally unbiased yet biased documentary involving RES.

The European noise conferences are specifically for Low Frequency noise, scientific study etc. The Noises from Wind farm debate was raised in 2002 and is now on the agenda/ has its own offshoot at the conference every 2 years. There is evidence that it does and doesn't affect people and you must admit it is a popular anti wind stance.

If it is scientifically proven (not anecdotal) then it needs further regulation.

I'm glad we agree the need for renewables but wind IS the best option we have here. Renewable wise, it's our most abundant resource and the technology already exists and works well. Wave and Tidal are a few years off and Solar, well it works but we are in Britain!

As for the Deeping St Nicholas figures I haven't seen them and you don't state the period this covers or the source/ how they are figured out. Wildlife will always be damaged when humans interfere and build structures. The Environmental Assessments that have to be undertaken when building a wind farm ensure this is minimised and this is very highly regulated. This is a sacrifice that must be made to tackle the larger issue of combating our massive impact to the environment to date.

Whether it was pushed through or not to appease the green debate is irrelevant in my opinion. We need it. If it wasn't agreed and targets set then we would still be uming and arring about renewables in another 100 years’ time and the environment would be in a worse state.

If they cause a real scientifically proven condition then regulate it, take it into account but people live near roads, airports and cities and survive. Objecting because it spoils your view a bit, well you're being selfish, plain and simple. Ultimately though, some folks will have to make some sort of sacrifice for the greater good of the environment. Without the Environment there's nothing, that is the bigger picture.

Call me an Environmental Communist or other names if you want, we probably won’t reach a consensus on this and I don’t think this is the best forum for the debate so I wont be checking back. Enjoy your evening and your opinions.

Tim Finch on July 19 2011 at 5:17 PM

Its all very well attacking me as out of touch / daily mail reading NIMBY, but encroaching on anyone’s way of life is wrong. Would you say the eradication of the rainforest is fine because they stand in the way of progress?

Would it be ok to repeat the invasion and removal of communities, nations and ways of life that we inflicted under the name of progress and empire? How dare you pretend to take the high ground on this and dismiss the fears or opinions of other!

Once my way of life is gone it is gone forever – and what makes it worse is that you will no doubt be the bumper sticker bore lamenting about its demise once it is.

lesley wilkinson on July 19 2011 at 5:56 PM

Ha ha, we need wind turbines to replace oil and coal? How is this one worked out when we will have to build more oil and coal-fired power stations to back up the intermittency of wind? Some claim to say wind is intermittent,of course it is!!!! Any one can work that one out! People who want wind farms all over the UK are the simple, selfish and "green" ones - they have no concept of what "green" really means. And they are the nimbies - they claim to want "renewable energy" but don't want it in their cities and towns and certainly don't want to give up their way of life which is over consumption of electricity. As for standing under a wind turbine and it not being noisy! You really haven't done any research at all on the subject - the noise issue is HUGELY complicated, the noise doesn't affect everyone the same way but for those it does affect, their lives are made so miserable that they have to leave their homes.

Aileen Jackson on July 20 2011 at 9:43 AM

The whole of the south side of Glasgow is now ringed by operational, consented or proposed windfarms, but that is only part of our problem; every greedy landowner in East Renfrewshire is now putting in applications for small/medium sized turbines, mainly Proven 15m 15kW. These turbines are noisier than the industrial sized ones and agents/developers are using highly suspect noise assessments to fool Councils into granting planning permission. We have lived with one, 280m from our house for a year. We have had noise monitoring done, methodology so questionable that even Environmental Health didn't believe it; followed by another one which is being looked at by lawyers and an independent acoustic consultant at the moment (0.6 dB below planning condition). Meanwhile, we have come across two other applications in the immediate area which have also been assessed independently and proved to be completely incompetent and misleading.

Just like the Davis family, we cannot sleep at night when we have a S/SW wind (prevailing) and we can never have our windows open at the back of our house. We cannot enjoy our conservatory or garden, entertain or relax in it and this is all due to the greed and selfishness of our neighbours who were good friends for 27 years but changed overnight when money came into the equation. Yes, it is true there are people who have small turbines right beside their houses, but they happen to be people who are financially involved and if they want to put up with a racket like that for money then that's up to them but to inflict it on your neighbour is criminal. Nothing to do with being GREEN; all to do with GREED

lesley wilkinson on July 20 2011 at 10:48 AM

Aileen - I had no idea that those "small" wind turbines made so much noise! I really am sorry to hear that you are going through this and I think it criminal too that ordinary people should put up with this. If the people who are making financial gain with this (and of course we know that it the taxpayer who is giving them this money) want to put up with it then fine but as you say to inflict it upon their neighbours is nothing short of criminal. Also, I wonder about the poor birds and bats who die at the expense of these turbines. I know one was switched off in a school playground because the kids were so upset at finding headless birds everywhere yet the RSPB insist they are not a threat to birds. I hope you succeed in getting the thing switched off. As you say greed not green is what all this is about. It makes me sick.

PhilM on August 19 2011 at 3:42 PM

To be fair I am not an expert but have been looking into wind power generation for several months since learning a new wind farm was being planned within 1 km of my home. This sort of news sharpens your interest. What I find concerning is the information from those for and against turbines is both desperately inaccurate and downright dishonest information.

If you’re someone simply trying to find out the truth then it’s a hopeless situation. Take the claims that wind turbine can generate electricity. Most of us know this to be true but how much depends on several factors including the wind actually blowing. Pro wind suggest 80% of the time they produce power but Albert Betz the physicist proves this wrong, and is backed up by official Government figures.

In short wind turbines in the UK are only producing power less then 30% of the operational year. Ignore loading and the other rubbish. Are you all willing to have a 400 plus foot set of turbines within 1 km of you home when it doesn’t produce enough power to replace any fossil or nuclear power station. They may look nice on a distant hill but wait until commercial industry backed by Government subsidy wants to put one on your doorstep. Ask the question how much does it produce and is it worth it. If you’re green or keen on recycling you also need to be mindful of the stupid mistakes we have made in the past. Rather then throwing these things up all over the place and stuff the consequences those of us who are green should be campaigning for a sensible discussion and a well understood position before embarking on this mindless activity. In the end as well as people being against nuclear, fossil etc they will also be against wind turbines. Those people who thing they are good are as uneducated as those who think there bad. Enough experts out their balance the arguments and so think on…. If you like them have one next to your house, those who don’t like them – well stick them off shore…..

Nathan Hayes on November 02 2011 at 10:39 AM

i personally think that windfarms are the future.

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