THE big wind farm debate rumbled on this week as the RSPB again signalled its opposition to the nine-turbine plan for West Hinkley.

The society stood against Your Energy's proposals when they were first submitted in 2004.

Giant turbines, RSPB representatives say, would have a detrimental effect on the birds living around the site.

And Somerset conservation officer Richard Archer said he wasn't happy with the lengths the wind firm had gone to allay the society's fears.

He told the Mercury on Monday: "Our position is that we support renewable energy but we have to look at the implications.

"We have supported the Array wind farm on the Thames recently because working with the developers it was put in the right way because it wasn't going to have an impact on wildlife.

"For Hinkley the developers have done more surveys (since being refused in 2005) but it hasn't been as complete as it needs to be."

Mr Archer said the turbines, which would be built adjacent to the nuclear power station, could affect wildlife for up to 800 metres away. He has sent a letter of objection to West Somerset District Council - the authority handling the application.

"The research that has been carried out has suggested that it could have an impact of up to 800 metres, but it's not specific," he added.

"Populations of Shellduck in the Seven Estuary could suffer and that is significant for water birds."

The second application submitted by West Hinkley Windfarm for 9 wind turbines in November is currently at the consultation stage with a decision expected early this year.