To ask the Scottish Executive what distance its guidelines recommend wind turbines should be sited from residential properties on account of noise considerations.

Noise from wind farms is more appropriately controlled by considering proposals in relation to acceptable noise limits rather than imposing a specific separation distance. Planning Advice Note 45: Renewable Energy Developments confirms that The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms (ETSU for DTI, 1996) can be regarded as relevant guidance on good practice. A copy of this document is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 25773).