Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
at the time of occurrence and for a duration that caused a nuisance. For example if the effect
was predicted to occur for a three week period in the early hours of the morning in a room
unlikely to be occupied with each occurrence lasting just a few minutes then it is unlikely that
additional measures will be needed.
14.6.5 Once the location and turbine parameters are defined, then the periods during which shadow
flicker can occur are predictable. Therefore if, following a complaint to the planning authority
and following investigation by the operator, shadow flicker is confirmed to result in a loss of
amenity at any location then mitigation will be implemented. Effective forms of mitigation will
vary to suit the specific circumstances but may include: window screening (with shutters,
curtains or blinds), planting or constructing garden screening and/or operational controls.
14.6.6 In the case of operational controls a specific turbine (or turbines) could be programmed to
shutdown at specific times when the sun is bright enough to cast nuisance shadows. There is
no specific UK guidance regarding what level of light is sufficient to cause a shadow flicker
event. However, the actual light level which will trigger a turbine shut down can be manually
configured on-site, following installation, to reflect local conditions.
14.6.7 A planning condition provides an appropriate form to secure mitigation, ensuring that any
complaints will be investigated in a reasonable timescale and that the rectification of any
shadow flicker problem that is substantiated will be implemented promptly and effectively. It is
worth noting that ‘Mitigation measures which have been employed to operational wind farms
such as turbine shut down strategies, have proved very successful, to the extent that shadow
flicker can not be considered to be a major issue in the UK’ (DECC, 2011).
14.7 Assessment of Residual Effects
14.7.1 No residual effects are anticipated in relation to shadow flicker.
14.8 Cumulative Effects
14.8.1 No cumulative effects are anticipated in relation to shadow flicker.
14.9 References
• Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2004). Planning for Renewable Energy, A
Companion Guide to PPS 22
• Scottish Government (2010). Scottish Planning Policy. Available at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/300760/0093908.pdf
• Scottish Government (2011). On-line Renewables Advice. Available at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-
Policy/themes/renewables
• West Lothian Council (2012) Supporting information required for Wind Turbine
Applications that do not require Environmental Impact Assessment. Available at
http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/media/downloaddoc/1799514/1846293/2231535/WindT
urbineApps-not-requireEIA
March 2013 14-4 ES Chapter 14
Shadow Flicker
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