SIR — Well done to West Somerset Council's planning committee for sending a clear message to proposed new nuclear developer EDF that local democracy is important.

The residents of the hamlet of Shurton were relieved by its decision not to permit further trench investigation in close proximity to their properties.

Although largely supportive of nuclear new build, residents have been dismayed to see over the last 18 months the site rapidly expanding towards their homes, currently occupying a site as large as the village of Williton and which will shortly be the largest construction site in the whole of the country.

The southern site boundary is now within about 100 metres of these houses where residents face many years of construction noise on their doorsteps.

Local people, supported by Stogursey Parish Council, have been involved in lengthy discussions with local EDF representatives with the aim of moving the southern site boundary back by approximately 250 metres to a ridge which provides a natural visual barrier with the assistance of some tree planting for screening.

This issue has also been highlighted by the parish council, local groups and many individuals in the Stage One Consultation which is currently under consideration by EDF.

It is the fact that EDF plan to conduct further trench work on this contested area of land which concerns the local community.

It would appear that from proposing further investigations here that they have in fact pre-determined the outcome of the Stage One Consultation and are determined to ignore the wishes and protestations of the community regarding the relocation of the southern site boundary.

This may be the way that EDF operates in France but they need to appreciate that community consultation should be a two-way street and that these and other concerns need to be addressed, not ignored.

It should also be borne in mind that British Energy and their predecessors the CEGB have spent many years building positive links with their nearest neighbours.

It appears that the EDF decision makers based in London and Paris are proposing to put at risk this carefully-nurtured co-existence through lack of care and consideration.

So again congratulations to the planning committee which has demonstrated that democracy and good sense is alive in West Somerset at least.

Sue Goss,

Burton.