Legal compensation frameworks for wind farm disturbance

In some cases, noise and shadow flicker disturbance associated with the operation of onshore wind energy developments may have negative impacts on local households. This has given rise in a small number of cases to public interest in the scope for compensation.

In order to support Scottish Government’s understanding of this issue,  ClimateXChange reviewed the existing legal frameworks for environmental compensation and their potential application in compensating householders for:

•             Noise and flicker disturbance associated with the operation of wind turbines; and

•             Associated loss of value to privately owned property.

By reviewing existing UK and Scottish legislative frameworks, this report identifies the current legal avenues available to householders seeking compensation.  

The report also reviews existing schemes in other countries to highlight potential alternative approaches to compensating householders.