Archived press release

Huge port threat to wildlife site

27 November 2001

DIBDEN BAY PUBLIC INQUIRY OPENS

INTERNATIONALLY IMPORTANT WILDLIFE SITE UNDER THREAT

Press Conference

8:30am, Tuesday 27 November 2001 at the Applemore Rec. Centre, Dibden [1]
Speakers: Tony Juniper, Director Designate, Friends of the Earth, Caroline Lucas, MEP, Green Party, Paul Vickers, Chair, Residents Against Dibden Bay Port, Chris Corrigan, Regional Manager, RSPB, Ruth Chambers, Deputy Director, Council for National Parks

The Public Inquiry into controversial plans by Associated British Ports [ABP] to build a massive 202-hectare super-port on the Dibden Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest begins today in Southampton.The proposal is opposed by most local people. ABP's plans to develop Dibden Bay is the type of major project that the Government proposes to fast-track through the planning process.

The proposed development is an important site for wildlife with international and national 'protection':

• Solent and Southampton Water Special Protection Area (SPA) - foreshore
• Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) - foreshore
• Solent Maritime candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) - adjacent waterway

Tony Juniper, Director Designate at Friends of the Earth said:

“This proposed port is unnecessary, unpopular and will cause enormous damage to one of the most sensitive and supposedly-protected areas in the UK. It is astonishing that such a well known corporation as Associated British Ports is seriously proposing it. Quite simply it must never be built.”

“At least this mad-cap plan has gone to public inquiry where the massive damage caused by the port and local objections will be carefully scrutinised. If the Government fast-track planning proposals are introduced even the modest safety net we have now would be removed. It would be a disaster for environmental protection and local democracy.”

Dr Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP for the South East, said:

"Nature conservation sites are given international protection not out of some vague feeling of promoting beauty and amenity land, but because a rich biodiversity is essential for the existence of us all.”

Dibden Bay is the kind of massive development that the Government plans to fast-track through the planning system. Under new proposals - lobbied for by huge corporations and corporate-interest groups such as the CBI - MPs would vote on whether the scheme went ahead. Any Public Inquiry held would then look at relatively minor issues. Contrary to popular belief, only 10 projects in the past 15 years had Public Inquiries lasting more than 3 months. The Government is expected to publish its plans this week.

Detailed Briefings on the Dibden Bay proposal and plans to change the planning system are available from Friends of the Earth's Press Office.

1. The press conference is at the same location as the Public Inquiry, Applemore Recreation Centre, Claypits Lane,Dibden (02380 844 288). It is signposted from A326. Parking is available at Tesco. There will be a few short introductory statements which will be followed by questions and time for interviews. The Inquiry starts at 10am.Objectors to ABP's plans include English Nature, the Environment Agency, the Countryside Agency, the CPRE,Ramblers Association, Hampshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Council for National Parks, Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council and Julian Lewis MP (New Forest).

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust