What the scientific basis is for the recommended separation distance between wind turbines and the edge of cities, towns and villages conta…

The scientific basis for the recommended separation distance is that in relation to settlements, wind turbine development at a distance of up to 2 km is likely to be a prominent feature in an open landscape. This was first set out in Guidelines on the Environmental Impacts of Windfarms and Small Scale Hydroelectric Schemes (Scottish Natural Heritage), February 2001. The criterion was then set out in Planning Advice Note 45 (2002) (since superseded). The criterion was later adopted in a review of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) on Renewable Energy in 2007 and continued in the consolidated SPP in 2010.