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neighbourhood; the effect of noise limits on the number of kWh generated and the duration andlevel of exposure. ETSU permits higher noise levels at night than during the day as theprotection of external amenity areas becomes less important as the emphasis at this later time inthe day should be on preventing sleep disturbance. It should also be noted that quiet daytimeperiods are defined as evenings from 1800 to 2300 Monday to Friday, and Saturday afternoonsfrom 1300 to 1800, and Sundays from 0700 to 1800, which are referred to as the amenity hours.Night time is defined as being between the hours of 2300 to 0700.3.6.5 Concern has been expressed in other planning application proposals at theappropriateness of the ETSU approach due in some part to the higher night-time level. A recentappeal decision involving Fife Council confirmed that ETSU remains the relevant noise guidancefor wind turbines as endorsed by the Scottish Government.3.6.6 In this particular case, a detailed noise assessment was submitted as part of the ES andconcludes that if Enercon E70 turbines were to be used, the windfarm would be expected tomeet the noise constraints for both the quiet daytime and night time periods at the nearest 3rdparty properties. It was concluded that this proposal would have a low noise impact onsurrounding properties. The ES therefore recommends that if the project were approved,suitable planning conditions should be formulated based on the background noise constraintsfound.3.6.7 Due to the nature of the proposal, Fife Council's Public Protection Team (EnvironmentalHealth officers) were consulted and have advised that they concur with the conclusions of thenoise assessment and have no objection as the proposal conforms with the relevant guidance(ETSU-R-97). In order to secure the residential amenity of nearby residential properties, officersduly recommend that a condition be imposed to ensure the proposal conforms to the derivedETSU limits.3.6.8 It is therefore considered that the proposed development would not harm the residentialsetting of neighbouring dwellings in terms of noise nuisance since the development would bewithin acceptable standards to conform to the derived ETSU limits. Should Committee resolveto approve the application then appropriate conditions should be included in any future consentto ensure minimum disturbance to local residents occurs, and noise levels are monitored andappropriate measures put in place to address any impacts that exceed predictions.3.7 Shadow Flicker3.7.1 The SPP (Renewable Energy) and the Annex to PAN 45 both advise that wind turbinesshould be assessed against their potential impacts on communities and as such this includesshadow flicker. The SPP also recommends that up to a 2km separation distance should occurbetween sites and the edges of settlements but that decisions on individual developmentsshould still take into account the specific local circumstances and geography. Policy R1 of theApproved Structure Plan also advises that wind turbines should be sited to minimise impact oncommunities and the potential impact of shadow flicker should be taken in to account in theassessment. The SPG on Wind Energy mirrors this guidance and indicates that the proximity ofthe turbines to sensitive properties will be evaluated using the up to 2km distance as outlined inthe SPP as a guide. The SPG also advises that turbines should not be sited so that they causeshadow flicker at dwellings or other sensitive properties. However if a turbine must be sited in aparticular location, the timing of shadow flicker events can be calculated, and, if necessary andappropriate, planning conditions can specify turbines are shut down for specific time periods orother mitigation measures imposed as appropriate.28