Government acts to protect New Forest

20 April 2004

The Government's decision (1) not to approve the damaging Dibden Bay port development has been strongly praised by the Council for National Parks (CNP) (2).

"The port at Dibden Bay stood to destroy the last remaining substantial stretch of open country next to Southampton Water and would have routed a major road and freight railway through an area which may become a National Park within a matter of weeks", said CNP's Head of Policy Ruth Chambers.

"Developments such as this are only allowed to go ahead in National Parks if there is a national need and no alternatives" explained Ruth Chambers.  "The Dibden Bay proposals failed this strict test (3) on both counts, as well as being very environmentally damaging, and we are pleased that the Government has acted to protect this precious area".

"It was clear from the outset that you couldn't pick a more unsuitable location for this development", said Ruth Chambers.  "It has internationally important wildlife sites and would have had a huge impact on what we hope will be the first new National Park (4) in England for the 21st century".

Notes to editors

1.       Transport Minister Tony McNulty MP today accepted the recommendation of the Dibden Bay Inquiry Inspector to turn down proposals for a new container terminal on Southampton Water.

2.       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.

3.       Planning policy on major developments in National Parks is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note No. 7.  This states that National Parks enjoy the highest status of protection in terms of landscape and scenic beauty.  It also states that major developments such as the one at Dibden Bay should not be allowed to proceed unless there are exceptional circumstances and unless, following a rigorous public examination, the proposals can be demonstrated to be in the public interest.

4.       The New Forest National Park designation process is well underway.  The public inquiry has concluded and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is due to make an announcement on Park status in Spring 2004. 

Contact: Ruth Chambers on 020 7924 4077 ext. 222 mobile 07769 676 397

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222