Nocton Fen Wind Farm - infrastructure

Infrastructure and Communications

Chapter 16 of the Preliminary Environmental Information assesses the impact on telecommunications, infrastructure and broadcast services.

I have concentrated on selecting those paragraphs which relate to the airwaves, rather than the 'hard' infrastructure, such overhead wiring, or underground piping/wiring.

Para 16.1.3: '... The results have shown there are National Grid pipelines, Anglian Water clean water pipes, Western Power Distribution electrical infrastructure and a number of microwave communication links both within the site and its close vicinity.'

Para 16.2.2: 'National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) is the overarching planning policy for NSIP wind farm applications... However, it makes no mention of the assessments required with regards to onshore wind farms and existing infrastructure, telecommunications and broadcast services.'

Para 16.2.4: '... Wind turbines can potentially affect electromagnetic transmissions (e.g. radio, television and phone signals)...'

Para 16.2.6: 'Since a large number of bodies use communications systems and some of the users are commercially sensitive or of strategic military importance, consultation with the relevant authorities/bodies is important...'

Para 16.3.20: 'It is known that wind turbines have the potential to adversely affect terrestrial reception up to a maximum distance of 5km (Ofcom, 2009). There are a number of properties within 5km of the Site, and so the potential for interference is established. However, all transmitters in the UK are now fully switched over to digital signals, which reduces the likelihood or interference with the television signal.'

Para 16.5.5: 'Wind farms can also affect electromagnetic signals...'

Para 16.5.7: 'An area has been identified (see Figure 1.4) for potential measures to mitigate effects on microwave links crossing the site... Consultation is still ongoing regarding the measures required...'

Para 16.7.11: '... Larger residential areas, such as Bardney and Nocton are approximately 1.75km away from the nearest turbines. It is therefore unlikely that a significant deterioration in signal would be experienced.'

Para 16.11.10: 'Discussions with JRC have led to the conclusion that 3 scanning links, and one fixed link will be affected unacceptably by the Project unless suitable mitigation is implemented. It has therefore been provisionally agreed by the Applicant will finance a technical solution to remove the interference...'

Para 16.11.12: 'In the unlikely event of a reduction in television reception quality occurring in the surrounding area, it is most likely to be noticed when the Project becomes operational... the Applicant will accept a Requirement to assess current television signals in advance of the construction of the Project and mitigate post-development problems with television reception arising where effects are attributable to it.'

Para 16.11.13: '... and to implement solutions in a timely manner so as to minimise any inconvenience to residents...'

Table 16.7 - 'A mixed solution is likely to be required which may include: Re-tuning some TVs to an alternative transmitter, which may overcome possible interference for some; and Providing an alternative form of reception, e.g. satellite dish or more powerful aerial.'

My thoughts

Although Para 16.7.11 indicates 'a significant deterioration' of  signal reception is 'unlikely', there is clearly potential for the wind turbines to affect terrestrial TV reception. If it does happen though, it has the potential of significantly disrupting the favourite pastime of watching 'telly'.

Any remedial actions should be taken quickly... by that I mean within 24 hours of the complaint being lodged. It is not satisfactory for people to be left hanging around with a poor TV service, paying out for a licence fee and not being able to watch their favourite programmes. Any costs of providing a remedy... and a replacement service, if the terrestrial option cannot be sorted... should be borne by the applicant.

The NPPF makes no mention of the assessments required with regard to wind farms and existing infrastructure, telecommunications and broadcast services. It can be seen here how it could impact on local residents - a policy paper should therefore be commissioned by HM Government without further delay to have a robust process in place should the 'unlikely' actually come to fruition.