SOUTHAMPTON docks bosses have slammed moves to put their planned site for a big new dock into the proposed national park boundary.

They have also suggested that the Countryside Agency, which has drawn up the proposed boundary, included the Dibden Bay area to weaken the case for a new container terminal there.

Associated British Ports yesterday began its objections to the inclusion of the reclaimed land at Dibden Bay and of marshland south-east of Hythe and was quick to point out that the Countryside Agency is among the objectors to the container terminal plan.

In putting ABP's case, Richard Phillips QC said: "Associated British Ports suspects that the decision to include the reclaim in the national park was not unconnected with its proposals to develop the terminal and the Countryside Agency's objections thereto."

ABP's plans also include an application for a compulsory purchase order on the marshes south-east of Hythe and for the disposal of some of the dredged materials.

Mr Phillips asked: "Is it simply a coincidence that inclusion of the Hythe-Cadland mudflats beyond the salt marshes is almost coincident with the proposed CPO areas?"

He also told the inquiry that the waterfront area included in the park boundary was put in "contrary to the advice of the Countryside Agency's consultants and their own officers and without any proper reasoning or even public consultation."