Archived press release

Dibden bay given wildlife protection

27 September 2001

Plans for massive port should be scuppered

Plans to create a massive container port at Dibden Bay, near Southampton, were dealt a massive blow today when English Nature, the Government's official conservation advisor, designated the area a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) [1,2].

Associated British Ports [ABP] has applied for permission to develop land at Dibden Bay, close to the New Forest Heritage Area, to create a 202-hectare super-port. The proposal has caused enormous controversy in the area, with most local people objecting to the plan. A Public Inquiry into the application is due to start on Tuesday 30th October [3].

Dibden Bay has been awarded SSSI status because of the “rare assemblage of invertebrates” and the discovery of breeding lapwings. Up until today, Dibden Bay had no legal protection. However, nearby waterways and mudflats, which would be affected by the proposed development, are protected by national, European and international designations.

Brenda Pollack Regional Campaigns Co-ordinator for Friends of the Earth said
“Dibden Bay is an important wildlife haven. That is why English Nature has given it special protection.Associated British Ports must now abandon its plans to build a massive port and prevent this unique area being destroyed.”

Julie Astin of New Forest Friends of the Earth added:
“This scheme, which will severely damage the environment, is opposed by the overwhelming majority of local people. It's time ABP's plans were sunk for once and for all.”

Notes:
1.Further information from English Nature's Hampshire and Isle of Wight team
2.Earlier this year the Countryside Agency included Dibden Bay in the draft boundaries for the new New Forest National Park.
3.Further information about the application and the Public Inquiry is available from Brenda Pollock
4.Areas under threat from the port development are Hythe to Calshot Marshes SSSI, the Solent and Southampton Water Special Protection Area (SPA) (which is also a RAMSAR site) and the Solent and Isle of Wight Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust