Investigation into noise levels at Westermost Rough

UK: The UK's Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is investigating the levels of noise during the construction of the Westermost Rough wind farm.

The first Westermost Rough foundation is installed

Developer Dong Energy started installing the monopiles at the 210MW project 8 kilometres off England's north-east cost in February.

The government body said that there had been a "number of complaints" that the levels of noise onshore are too high during the piling operations.

Among the complainants is a local member of parliament.

MMO licenced Dong to construct the project in 2011, and at the time stated that it had no issues with the projected levels of noise that construction was likely to generate.

The agency said it is working with the developer to assess the impact and find a solution if necessary.

MMO regulates development in the seas around England, including offshore wind-farm construction.