Visual intrusion

A common objection to wind farm developments is the effect of wind turbines on the landscape. Large, upland wind turbines are visible from afar, and it is a personal judgement whether they spoil the view or not.

In some situations, turbines can cause ‘flicker’ when the sun is seen directly behind the turning rotor blades, although this effect only lasts for a few minutes each day, and will affect any given neighbour for only a few days each year.

In urban settings, the neighbours are closer and more numerous, so even a small turbine will affect the view of many people.