Davis V Wind Turbines: What The Outcome Could Mean.

Earlier this week, a two week landmark High Court case was started between Jane and Julian Davis and Fenland Windfarms, EDF Energy PLC and Fenland Green Power regarding the level of noise that wind turbines make, and how much this has affected the lives of Jane and Julian Davis.

The Davis have started this legal process as they have moved out of their home into rented accommodation blaming wind turbines for this essential move as the noise was unbearable and made their life a “nightmare”, It has also been reported that the couple used alcohol and sleeping tablets in order to block out the noise.

A reported published in 2000 by RenewableUK states that the noise from a wind turbine further than 300m away from the source is equivalent to the same level as noise from a flowing stream about 50-100 metres away or the noise of leaves rustling in a gentle breeze.
The Davis’ disagree. They argue that the noise levels are more accurately described as “helicopter whirring” and as such are filing for compensation of £2.5 m.

The difference in opinion is substantial and does warrant further investigation. RenewableUK have a high level of respect and authority within the UK – and have global recognition that their reports are generally the most scientifically accurate going – yet their report and the Davis’ account of living in Lincolnshire over 300m from the wind turbine are very different.

According to the claimants, the wind turbines are located 930 metres from the Farmhouse, which is downwind of the predominant wind through the turbines; the turbines are about 500m from the Claimants’ land boundary. They have stated that their lives have been a “nightmare” since the introduction of the wind turbines in 2006, and want to receive either £2.5 million in compensation or the total removal and shut down of the wind turbines located near them.

If the Davis’ are awarded compensation or the wind turbines are removed, then this could spark a trend of law suits regarding wind turbines and noise pollution, which could damage the reputation of a highly valued and important renewable energy source.

Jane Davis, a qualified nurse, said one in five wind farms cause noise problems for the local people. "All I know is the amount of health problems people have suffered since [the turbines were put up] seem to be excessive in relation to what was happening," she said. "Those symptoms include sleep deprivation, tittinus, vertigo, depression, raised blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart beat), needing to go the lavatory at night more often than you would normally, pneumonia, ear infections, stomach disorders and psychological stress."

There have in the past been fears that wind turbines can cause health problems, yet these have not caused a substantial amount of damage to the wind turbine industry, but if the Davis’ claim that their lives have been dramatically affected by the implantation of wind turbines over 500m away from their house, then this land mark law suit could indeed be damaging to wind turbines and their future.