Noise and vibration

The noise assessment considers potential noise and vibration effects from construction activities (including traffic) and noise of the operational wind farm on nearby residential properties. Existing local background noise readings were taken from four residential properties in the vicinity of the site, as agreed with South Kesteven District Council.

With proper mitigation measures in place, there would be a minor impact at Beck Farm Cottage and Finesse Boarding Kennels during the approximately seven month construction period, due to construction traffic along Sewstern Lane. The operational wind farm would cause no significant concerns regarding noise or traffic vibration for local residents. The background daytime noise levels in the area already exceed the national reference levels and the wind farm wouldn't add significantly to these levels. Night-time noise levels are below these reference levels at all properties, except at one residence, Downfields. It is estimated that this marginal exceedence over background noise would not be audible under normal conditions.

During our public exhibitions, several Foston residents were concerned that the wind farm might add to the noise from the A1. This is not the case: the noise level of the A1 dominates the ambient noise environment in Foston to such an extent that the wind farm noise (the lower one of the two) is highly unlikely to ever make any effective contribution to the total.