MULTI-million pound plans have been unveiled to move ferry services out of a Hampshire waterway and create a major new cross-Solent terminal, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The far-reaching proposals would see Wightlink's Lymington River operation entirely relocated to a stretch of coastline at nearby Pennington Marshes.

Dubbed "Port Pennington", the move would provide a shorter crossing to the Isle of Wight and could be combined with a programme of improvements to sea defences along the marshland foreshore.

It is believed the terminal would be able to accommodate three larger ferries being introduced by Wightlink.

The controversial new boats are currently the cause of a bitter dispute between the company and Lymington river users over water displacement and erosion in the area.

Wightlink bosses have vowed to launch an outline feasibility study and say they can "see the merit" in operating from a site closer to the island.

If it goes ahead, road access would be from the A337, cutting out lengthy delays at Lymington's level crossing and toll bridge.

Concept designer Derf Paton - a member of Lymington River Association - says public access to the port would be via an historic part-built railway at the end of Lower Pennington Lane.

The terminal would be built at Pennington sewer outfall where there is already a concrete boom built in the Solent.

Train passengers arriving in Lymington would be able to transfer to the port using a bus service or smaller ferry link.

Wightlink chief executive Andrew Willson urged caution but told the Daily Echo a study would be undertaken to see if the move was a viable option.

He said: "We are aware of the proposals and we would not wish to dismiss it without proper consideration. There is clearly merit in operating there from the perspective of the shortness of the crossing to the Isle of Wight."