OPPONENTS and supporters of controversial plans to build a wind farm just off the West Somerset coast will hear their arguments replayed at a public inquiry. The company behind the bid to site 12 generators on land to the west of Hinkley Point nuclear power station near Stogursey has lodged a formal appeal against the decision of West Somerset District Council's planning committee to refuse the scheme. The plans submitted by West Hinkley Windfarm Ltd, whose agents are Your Energy, sparked controversy when they were considered at a special meeting of the committee in October. Councillors listened to more than three hours of representations from both sides of the debate, including pressure groups and the applicants, before reaching their decision in a 9-3 vote. Their refusal to approve the scheme rested largely on concerns over roosting bats and fears expressed by British Energy, which runs the nearby nuclear station, and the Health and Safety Executive over 'blade throw'- when a turbine blade is damaged and part or all of it could potentially be thrown across the site. However, in its 'grounds for appeal' submission, Your Energy makes it clear that it considers the concerns have been addressed. It is also firm in its belief that the scheme is line with both and national guidance and policies for renewable energy developments and as such should be approved. No timescale has been given for the public inquiry, which will be convened by the planning inspectorate and at which the cases for and against the proposal will be heard by a Government- appointed inspector. But the council now has a just fortnight to publicise the appeal process to those who made submissions on the original application and to supply the inspectorate and Your Energy with copies of the documents involved. Planning committee chairman Cllr Viv Brewer said: "It is going to be a huge logistical challenge for our staff to meet in a short timescale. "The depth of interest in this application shown by people from all over the country has resulted in thousands upon thousands of pieces of paper, each of which we now have to copy several times and send off to the right location. "However, I am confident the planning team will rise to the occasion and we will complete the task in time." The planning committee's decision notice and Your Energy's grounds of appeal can be viewed on the council's website at http://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk">www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk by using the wind farm report link on the home page. They can also be seen during normal opening hours at the council offices in Williton and at the public library in Nether Stowey. All the comments received in response to the original application will be forwarded to the planning inspectorate and will be taken into account by the inspector when deciding the appeal.