Huge threat to new National Park
13 November 2000
The planned major new container port at Dibden Bay in the New Forest would be one of the biggest threats ever to a National Park area. That is the view of the national charity the Council for National Parks1 (CNP), which has today submitted a detailed objection to the proposed new port2.
CNP’s planning expert Ruth Chambers said: "We have carefully scrutinised the plans and are alarmed at the scale of the development and the massive impact that it would have on the natural beauty, wildlife and public enjoyment of the New Forest3, which is due to become the first new National Park of the new millennium".
The huge cranes, extensive concrete and numerous heavy lorries (3,000 HGV movements a day are proposed) would have a serious impact on the special qualities of the Forest and will provide the Government with a critical test on National Park protection. CNP is calling on the Secretary of State for the Environment, the Rt Hon John Prescott MP to hold a public inquiry to ensure that this proposal is rigorously examined and that all alternatives are fully explored.
Ruth Chambers continued: "This development would be one of the biggest port developments in Europe and would be one third of the size of Heathrow Airport. The majority of the site would lie within the New Forest National Park as currently proposed. The Government has said that major developments that affect National Parks and the New Forest should only take place in exceptional circumstances, which do not exist in this case. The proposals would also have a direct impact on an internationally important wildlife site4".
She concluded: "On the eve of designation of the original National Parks in the 1950s a flurry of applications for damaging development was approved which has left a lasting legacy on the National Parks. This generation must not make the same mistake again".
Notes to editors
1 The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
2 So far the DETR has received over 2,500 objections to the plans from national and local organisations and concerned individuals.
3 In September 1999 the Government announced that it would like to see National Park status for the New Forest. The Countryside Agency (the Government’s statutory adviser on National Parks) started the designation process in October. The proposed development includes part of the New Forest Heritage Area, which enjoys planning status equivalent to a National Park.
4 The proposed development would have a direct impact on the nature conservation interest of Southampton Water, which is designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.
5 Associated British Ports submitted formal plans to the DETR on 29 September. These took the form of a Harbour Revision Order, Transport and Works Order (both accompanied by Environmental Statements), a ‘stopping-up’ Order (relating to roads affecting the site) and a planning application to New Forest District Council.
6 The Secretary of State may decide to call in the application and order a Public Inquiry. The DETR estimates that any such Inquiry will be likely to begin around Easter 2001 and will last from nine to twelve months.
For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222