Noise complaints upheld
Complaints about noise from three Vestas 225 kW turbines have been upheld. Wind development co-operative Zeeuwind is currently considering its position after having its license to operate the turbines at Stavenisse revoked by the Raad van State, the highest government advisory and legal body in the Netherlands. Planning permission for the site was originally granted by the local authority in Tholen, Zeeland, and the Vestas units have been running since June 1995. However, in early July the Raad van State upheld complaints of noise pollution lodged by a local estate agent. At 46 decibels the turbines were found to be five decibels louder than normal background noise measured at the nearest dwelling 270 metres from the site. Zeeuwind's John Springer disputes the accuracy of this reading, but is reconciled to undertaking anew the lengthy process of securing an operating license. He is optimistic the turbines will not have to be shut down in the interim.