A TINY Sedgemoor village is preparing for an almighty battle with energy giant EDF over its plans for a new nuclear power station.

People in Combwich fear EDF's new infrastructure proposals to cope with its proposed Hinkley Point C station - which now include building a freight depot by Combwich Wharf - would swamp their village, which contains just 300 homes.

Virtually the entire population of Combwich packed into the village hall for a public exhibition.

Parish council chairman Barry Leathwood said: “We were happy with the original plans which included refurbishing the wharf to bring in large individual loads by boat.

“But we are majorly concerned about the changes in EDF's preferred proposals, which will decimate the village.

“We are not anti-nuclear but we don't feel we were properly informed about these changes and almost the whole village will be campaigning against it.”

People living in the Stockmoor Park development in Bridgwater have also raised concerns EDF's proposed freight distribution centre and park and ride facility opposite their homes, would greatly increase traffic.

David Eccles, head of EDF's Bridgwater office, said all feedback would be carefully considered before a planning application is submitted.

He said: “Our approach to transportation issues is to minimise the number of road journeys during construction and operation of the new power station.

“We intend to bring around 80% of bulk construction materials through a temporary jetty on site.

“The use of Combwich Wharf, construction of a temporary jetty at site and use of park and ride and freight centres are part of the carefully considered transport aspects of the project.”

Combwich Parish Council will be meeting on Tuesday night to consider its response to the plans.

EDF is holding extra exhibitions in Bridgwater, at Morrisons on September 8 and Asda on September 11.