Assessment and rating of noise from wind turbines: guidance

Technical guidance for the assessment of noise emissions from onshore wind turbines, known as ETSU-R-97, was first published in 1996. In 2023, an independent technical scoping review considered whether the guidance could be refreshed and in 2025 the government published the updated guidance for the assessment and rating of wind turbine noise consultation.

The assessment and rating of wind turbine noise report provided on this page is the outcome of this consultative process and replaces the 1996 ETSU-R-97 document. It should be used by developers of onshore wind planning applications and planning authorities across the UK when making and considering wind turbine noise assessments. It provides technical guidance for assessing and controlling operational noise from wind turbines in the planning context. It provides guidelines for the control of wind turbine noise, such that wind farm neighbours receive a reasonable degree of protection without placing unreasonable restrictions on wind farm development.