A GROUP representing more than 130,000 walkers has rapped plans to turn a deserted stretch of Southampton Water into a £750m container terminal.

The Ramblers' Association said rural areas as far away as Beaulieu would be hit by noise and light pollution from the proposed port at Dibden Bay.

The claim was made at a public inquiry into the Associated British Ports scheme to build a six-berth terminal between Hythe and Marchwood.

Inquiry chairman Michael Hurley heard evidence from Alan Shotter, a Marchwood parish councillor and a member of the Southampton branch of the Ramblers' Association.

Mr Shotter said the planned port would devour land that provided views across Southampton Water and also created a feeling of space and openness.

He added: "Noise and vibration will add another dimension to the overall effect of the proposed development - one that cannot be escaped simply by turning to face a different direction."

Mr Shotter said Dibden Bay was currently a quiet area of heathland, marshes and mudflats that experienced only a low level of background noise.

"The south is suffering from a serious degree of development pressure which is eating away at the small areas of tranquillity left," he said.

"Clearly the proposed port and the inevitable increase in traffic will add to that loss of tranquillity and have a detrimental effect on anyone using the area. We believe that many walks in the vicinity will be affected by noise from the planned development."

Mr Shotter said areas as far west as Hill Top and Beaulieu Road would be hit by noise and light pollution from the terminal.

He added that people visiting Hatchet Pond, between Beaulieu and Lymington, would notice a "deterioration of views".