A controversial plan to establish a small oyster farm off Seapowet Avenue did not get its long-awaited state hearing this week, after all.

Patrick and Sean Bowen, the Little Compton brothers who three years ago applied to the state Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) for permission to build the .97-acre farm just southwest of the Seapowet bridge, were expected to appear before the CRMC Tuesday evening. But just prior to the meeting, the Bowens requested a continuance, CRMC counsel Tony DeSisto said Tuesday morning. The Bowens could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The meeting was expected following the conclusion of the second 30-day public comment period on the Bowen's previously amended project application. Between Tuesday, May 9 and the close of public comment on Thursday, June 8, the CRMC received 55 written comments on the issue — 10 in support of the Bowens’ application, and 45 opposed.

The CRMC had been expected Tuesday to determine whether the recent comments are substantive or not, and DeSisto said that process will likely occur at the next meeting. If the comments are determined to be substantive, he said, the matter would be referred to a CRMC hearing officer who would review the application and report back to the full council. If they are determined not to be substantive, the application "would be heard at the council level," DeSisto said.

The recent written comments follow several Tiverton actions that took place over a one-week span in May. On the 15th, the Tiverton Harbor Commission unanimously voted to object to the application, reversing the commission’s previous stance. A week later, the Tiverton Town Council followed suit and voted unanimously to object to the application.

The brothers' farm would cover just under one acre just offshore, using submerged gear to grow oysters for market, and they have said that it will not be a hindrance to those who use those waters for recreation.

Though they're opposed by many Tiverton residents, the council and the harbor commission, the Little Compton Town Council earlier this year voiced support for the Bowens' application.