ABP intends to submit three different applications within the next few weeks for a massive expansion of Southampton Docks. Its sheer scale means the proposal will go to public inquiry.
The Green lobby will be watching keenly to ensure that the processing of one application in particular – that for Dibden Bay – takes full account of EU legislation.
The handling of the proposal will also be a major test of government promises to prevent a repeat of costly inquiries into large infrastructure projects.
The plans have taken ABP four years and extensive consultation with RSPB, English Nature and local interests to draw up.
Nevertheless, ABP’s plans for a 40ha (100 acre) expansion of container facilities in Dibden Bay is still expected to provoke a major environmental backlash.
ABP estimates the new port facilities will lead to a 47% increase in vehicle traffic – one extra every 25 seconds – with the bulk of this increase generated by large freight trucks.
John Ward, head of policy and design at New Forest Council, said: “Irrespective of the devastating local impact, at the end of the day the application may well come down to whether we need to do it in the national interest or not.”
He adds: “But the question of a European dimension also needs to be posed. If this is a major environmental issue for Europe, and we are dealing with a level playing field in the EU, should the expansion of Rotterdam be considered as an alternative?”
An ABP spokeswoman said: “The general consensus in the port industry is that container trade is growing at a 5% year on year growth. We are looking to accommodate that. If we don’t there will be increased need for feeder ships which in turn will push up the prices of the goods offloaded.”
The port company estimates that the possible option of diverting container ships to Liverpool will take an extra 28 hours and cost the operators £30,000 per ship.
EGi News 20/07/99
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