A CIVIL engineering expert has sought to quash fears surrounding plans to change the face of Southampton Water.

Ian Townend was giving evidence at the public inquiry into plans by Associated British Ports (ABP) to build a deep-water terminal at Dibden Bay.

ABP is planning to carry out a massive dredging operation if the proposed port is approved.

Part of Mr Townend's evidence to the inquiry referred to the potential impact of the scheme on Marchwood Military Port (MMP) and RAF Hythe.

He said: "We have provided detailed plots which show the eddies generated by the dredge approach to MMP and how these are likely to be modified with the terminal in place.

"Given that the effect of constructing Dibden Terminal is to form a large hole next to MMP into which sediment will settle, I am confident the deposition at Marchwood will reduce once the terminal is operational. Nonetheless we have offered an undertaking to cover the eventuality that this proves not to be the case.

"For both MMP and RAF Hythe I consider that we have adequately addressed the issue of sedimentation and have indicated throughout that ABP would undertake any clear-up dredging."

Mr Townend also described plans to dump a large amount of the dredged material on the foreshore between Hythe and Cadland.

He said the scheme to "recharge" the inter-tidal mudflats had been the subject of discussions involving English Nature and New Forest District Council.

"All parties support the concept of retaining sediment within the estuary system.

"The differences of opinion revolve around how best to achieve this objective and in particular the quantity of material, the intervals at which material is placed, and the rate of placement."