DEFENCE chiefs are facing calls to hold a public inquiry into plans to sell one of Hampshire’s biggest military bases.

Parish councillor Beverley Golden has written to the Ministry of Defence accusing it of failing to consult the public over the future of Marchwood Military Port.

Preferred bidders include Associated British Ports (ABP), the company behind a failed attempt to develop neighbouring Dibden Bay.

Miss Golden’s letter says plans to allow a commercial operator to use the port, also known as the Sea Mounting Centre (SMC), could result in Dibden Bay being developed “by the back door”.

It also warns that the proposed sell-off will result in increased activity at the port itself, leading to noise and light pollution, and also raises concerns that roads would become gridlocked and infrastructure would be overwhelmed.

Her call for a public inquiry comes after fellow members of Marchwood Parish Council handed in a 2,000-name petition to the Government calling for a consultation.

Miss Golden claims commercial port activity at Marchwood could have an adverse impact on the neigbouring New Forest National Park, which includes Dibden Bay.

Her letter says the proposed sale should be the subject of a public inquiry similar to the hearing that resulted in plans to turn the site into a huge container terminal being thrown out in 2004.

Daily Echo:

Beverley Golden

It adds: “The current proposals are development of Dibden Bay by the back door.

“Furthermore your failure to consult the New Forest National Park over your proposals appears to be in breach of the Declaration of Intent between the Ministry of Defence and the Association of National Park Authorities.

As reported in the Daily Echo, ABP wants to use part of the site as a car storage facility that would create 400 jobs.

The 330-acre base is home to 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, which will remain at the port regardless of what happens.

ABP Southampton port director Nick Ridehalgh said: “We are focusing our energies on securing Marchwood Military Port and on developing a successful business on that site, creating jobs and increasing our contribution to the regional economy."

Daily Echo: Nick Ridehalgh at work at Southampton docks

Nick Ridehalgh

The MoD denied that it had failed to consult locals.

A spokesman said: “MoD officials have met regularly with the local council and MoD ministers have also engaged with the local MP, Dr Julian Lewis, as the project has progressed, ensuring that local views are represented.”

Miss Golden said she wrote to the MoD as a local resident, not in her capacity as a parish councillor.