Controversial plans for Hampshire port bought back to life

The owners of an Hampshire port at the centre of a bitter 20-year dispute over its use have announced new plans to build a new terminal on the site.

By The Newsroom

Published 28th Oct 2016, 11:11 BST

Updated 31st Oct 2016, 09:55 BST

Aerial view of Hythe Marina village next to Dibden Bay. PA Photo: Chris Ison.

Southampton-based Associated British Ports (ABP) have admitted controversial plans to develop Dibden Day could now go ahead.

The first proposal to develop the site, which borders the New Forest, was put forward in 1997 but was defeated seven years later by campaigners.

But speaking to the Southern Daily Echo this week, ABP chief executive James Cooper said the port owners ‘had to find a way’ to expand its capacity to handle trade.

He added: ‘There are jobs at the docks and all the way back through the supply chain to the manufacturers as well, it’s all important to the British economy.’

Dibden Day is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to thousands of water birds.