THE adverse impacts of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point currently outweigh any benefits it would bring to the local community.

That was the message to members of West Somerset Council's cabinet last night (Thursday), when they were being called on to register their disquiet with the proposed Hinkley C developer EDF Energy.

They were also being asked to give their support to a 721-page combined response from West Somerset and Sedgemoor District Councils which brands the power giant's plans as "unacceptable" and "completely inadequate".

Planning manager Andrew Goodchild said EDF's second stage consultation had failed to address a whole range of issues and criticised the lack of evidence to support many of the developer's claims.

He said EDF had shown a "lack of commitment" to mitigating the impact of the development, failed to understand the character of the area and provided a very poor standard transport appraisal.

He said there was concern over the concentration of workers proposed on the development site and said EDF had not addressed the impact the influx of construction workers would have on local property markets and tourism bed-space in West Somerset.

The council's draft response to EDF, which has to be ratified by full council later this month, concludes: "It is considered that EDF has not sufficiently addressed the broader social and quality of life issues which are likely to arise as the result of a major nuclear power station construction and operation.

"There needs to be more focused local evaluation of the communities which are most affected by the development."

David Eccles, head of EDF Energy's Bridgwater office, said the company's proposals were far from the finished product and the firm was fully aware more work still needed to be done.

He said once feedback from the second stage of the ongoing consultation had been received, EDF would further refine its proposals in liaison with local groups and organisations.

"We have a positive and constructive ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, including the relevant local authorities," he said. "We recognise the important role that they have in the process.

"It is important to note that government guidance requires stage two to be an outline of our preferred proposals and not a full draft application.

"Following the feedback we will receive from the consultation when it closes we will work together with all our partners in Somerset in order to finalise our plans."

But West Somerset Council leader Cllr Tim Taylor, while acknowledging the benefits a new nuclear power station would bring, said EDF still had to prove it would resolve the outstanding negative issues.

"If the government gives permission for the nuclear development at Hinkley point, it will bring positive benefits for the local economy through job creation and business opportunities," he said.

"However, it will also have negative impacts, particularly for the adjoining communities in the parish of Stogursey.

"Residents will live for a decade or more with what is likely to be the biggest major development project in the UK.

"EDF's strategies on transport, environment, workers accommodation, tourism and other key issues lack the information we need to be assured that EDF will manage and mitigate negative planning impacts effectively.

"In addition, there is no government framework through which to negotiate community benefits.

"It is our duty to protect residents and local communities in the areas most affected to ensure that that they have lasting legacy benefits and compensation for the major disruption and damage they will face."