Written question WQ97654

The Welsh Government has examined the health impacts associated with large wind turbines and pylons. Our policy position on this matter is outlined in sections 5.3 and 10.2 of the Noise and Soundscape Plan for Wales 2023 to 2028, which is informed by the findings of the UK Government’s 2023 review of noise guidance for onshore wind turbines, taking into account consultation responses to the draft Plan (see pages 39-40 of the summary of consultation responses). Further to the Plan’s adoption, Welsh Government officials attended a series of UK Government-led workshops which resulted in proposed updates to the current wind turbine noise assessment method, which were subject to a recent UK-wide public consultation which closed on 29 August.

The Developments of National Significance (DNS) process requires developers to provide robust evidence addressing the potential social and environmental impacts of large-scale renewable energy projects, including wind farms. The assessment criteria are set out in Policy 18 of Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, and include ensuring that proposals do not result in unacceptable adverse effects such as shadow flicker, noise, reflected light, air quality degradation, or electromagnetic disturbance.