PLANS for energy-saving wind farms were blown out because they were too close to national parks in the north, and the same rules could prevent a huge container port being built on the edge of the New Forest.

At the public inquiry into plans by Associated British Ports to build a new £750m facility at Dibden Bay on the Waterside, the Council for National Parks was firing on all cylinders to defend the area which could be confirmed as Britains' newest natural treasure next year.

Ruth Chambers, deputy director of the CNP, told the inquiry at Southampton's Eastern Docks that planning inspectors had thrown out schemes to put wind turbines at Brocklebank near the Lake District, and at Barningham near the Yorkshire Dales, because of their threat to the adjacent parks.

"The inspector said a key consideration was the sensitivity of the area around the appeal site in its own right and as part of the setting for the National Park. National Parks - and the New Forest Heritage Area - are accorded the highest degree of protection under UK planning policy.

"The applicant - ABP - has to satisfy stringent tests, but has failed to supply compelling evidence which would cause the Secretary of State to grant permission for such a damaging and massive development in the New Forest."

Ms Chambers said that building the container port would result in the loss of the last major block of coastal countryside within the Waterside parishes.

She said that even if it was decided to shift the proposed boundary of the New Forest national park and exclude Dibden Bay, a container port on the site would still be seen as a threat to the protected landscape.

Proceeding.