SIR — On Thursday (July 28), West Somerset Council's planning committee will be voting on the application by EDF to undertake "preliminary works" at the Hinkley Point site.

This work involves desecrating over 400 acres of beautiful countryside. It involves excavating 3.2 million cubic metres of soil, sub-soil and rocks, which is more than has been excavated to prepare the site for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

EDF is seeking permission to do this before the proposed nuclear station has even been granted.

It is shocking that a company such as EDF can "railroad" its influence on our small rural area in such a way.

The devastating effects of this proposal are far-reaching. There will be huge environmental impacts such as new roads, traffic and road disruption as well as a myriad of other detrimental effects on our small community from the construction.

Since the new nuclear station at Hinkley Point has not been approved, under no circumstances should EDF be given "pre-approval" to take these site works forward without the full planning consent.

It would be impossible to restore and reinstate the site to its original state if the IPC planning consent is denied in the coming months.

Regardless of one's opinion about the benefits of nuclear power, EDF should not be allowed to take this step without the full planning approval for a new nuclear site.

It would be irresponsible of West Somerset Council to allow these works to begin. The application for the preliminary works should be denied.

All interested parties should come on July 28 to the council offices to show their concern.

Susan Lilienthal,

Over Stowey.