POOLE councillors were accused of “nit picking over words” as a raft of amendments was presented at a special meeting of Borough of Poole tonight.

The extraordinary meeting at the Civic Centre was called to ratify seven points of environmental concern over the proposed £3billion Navitus Bay wind farm off the Dorset coast.

The council’s response to the environmental statement came after a three hour meeting of the economy overview and scrutiny committee held on Monday, at which supporters and opponents were heard.

Concerns raised, including the effect on tourism, on migrant seabirds, the impact on coastal features, marine creatures and local economy, will go to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), which decides if the proposal goes ahead.

“What was the point of having that meeting to come up with recommendations when all we are doing is picking over words and changing words?” said council leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson, who said members were “nit picking”.

Poole Mayor Cllr Peter Adams, who chaired the meeting, was having to put, “amendments to the amendment” to be voted on, some of which altered a single word.

Cllr Brian Clements, chairman of the economy overview and scrutiny committee, said: “The purpose of our representation is effectively to put down markers, to tell PINS issues we might want our officers to pursue.”

Also at a meeting held today Dorset County Council's planning committee unanimously objected to proposals for the offshore wind farm.

The committee met to discuss a report on the Navitus Bay application in order to help the council prepare a response that will go to the Planning Inspectorate.

The views of the committee and those who spoke will now be put forward to the cabinet when they meet on Wednesday at 11am.

The cabinet will have the final say on its representation which will then be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.