A COMPANY planning a massive £750m port at Dibden Bay has been accused of trying to make a fortune at the expense of residents.

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis said Associated British Ports (ABP) wanted to release large areas of land in Southampton docks for property development.

He claimed that ABP intended to move many of its activities to Dibden Bay and cash in on the value of its existing sites.

Mr Lewis was addressing the public inquiry into ABP's application to turn reclaimed coastline between Hythe and Marchwood into a six-berth container terminal.

He said: "It's my belief that Dibden Bay will become a clearance area or dumping ground for all the things ABP are currently stuck with on much more valuable land in Southampton.

"I don't blame them for doing the best they can for their shareholders.

"They're trying to sweep away all the unhappy encumbrances that are preventing extraordinarily valuable land in the existing port from being fully exploited.

"But their priorities are not my priorities.

"The proposed development at Dibden Bay is not necessary, it's not viable and it should be rejected out of hand."

Mr Lewis listed proposals to provide extra container terminal facilities elsewhere in the country, including the former Shell Haven oil refinery in Essex.

He said: "The Dibden Bay scheme is the only one that directly destroys a protected site.

"ABP claim the presence of Fawley Refinery and Marchwood Military Port are acceptable reasons for further development in the Waterside area.

"But the original refinery was built in 1921 and the present site was constructed in 1951. The housing came later, so purchasers knew what they were buying into.

"The same can't be said of people living in Hythe and Marchwood."

Mr Lewis began his evidence by outlining the huge amount of opposition to the Dibden Bay scheme, which has resulted in 6,500 objections.

He said: "There have been only 170 representations in favour, many of which have come from firms and individuals who are either employed by ABP or have some connection with the company.

"Three of the letters have come from the same family."