Open consultation

Assessment and rating of wind turbine noise guidance: proposed updates

Summary

We're seeking views on updates to guidance on the assessment of noise from onshore wind turbines across the UK.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

Technical guidance for the assessment of noise emissions from onshore wind turbines provides advice to local authorities across the UK on:

  • appraising planning applications for onshore wind developments
  • aiding deployment of suitable onshore wind developments
  • ensuring noise impacts are robustly controlled

The existing guidance dates back to 1996. In 2023, a government commissioned independent scoping review indicated that it would benefit from updating.

We have worked closely with acoustic experts and leading scientists to produce these proposed updates which aim to align the guidance with:

  • available evidence
  • developments in turbine technology and wind turbine noise assessment methodologies
  • government policies on noise and net zero

This consultation seeks views on the proposed updates.

It is likely to be of particular interest to those with previous experience in the measurement and assessment of wind turbine noise, including (but not limited to):

  • the energy industry
  • local planning authorities
  • project developers

Please respond using the online response form where possible. Use the email address for queries only, or if you need to respond using an alternative method.

Local planning authorities should not use this draft guidance in relation to ongoing planning applications: continue to use the existing guidance until we issue a government response to this consultation.

Read our consultation privacy notice.

Documents

Ways to respond

Updates to this page

Published 4 July 2025

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