AN EMERGENCY action plan has been drawn up by Hampshire County Council in case the controversial Dibden Bay development gets the green light.

The council has already objected to the proposed port development by Associated British Ports (ABP) and the scheme is currently the subject of an extensive public inquiry.

County councillors discussed proposals including conservation management, traffic schemes and maintenance contributions at a council meeting.

Negotiations have been taking place between the council and ABP over possible obligations and conditions that might apply to the £750m development if it were granted consent.

The aim of this agreement is to safeguard the council's interests and to exercise some influence over the development.

The main issues being discussed are the level of contributions to mitigation measures at Marchwood, the New Forest heritage area and Totton town centre and the extent of involvement in the monitoring and management of the Church Farm Nature Conservation Area.

ABP has already offered to contribute up to £150,000 for Marchwood and £50,000 for the New Forest if the development went ahead and problems arose from traffic visiting and leaving the Dibden terminal.

The company has also agreed to fund a new pedestrian/cycle bridge, and the refurbishment of the existing bridge.

Totton councillor Edith Randall said disruption from the development must be kept to a minimum.

She said: "It's people and the potential disruption to their lives that matter. It's one thing to widen the A326, as ABP proposes, but what about those who live within earshot? Nothing seems to be done for them."

Lyndhurst councillor Melville Kendal said: "We want to combat all the small points which are going to make such a difference to people in Marchwood and the New Forest and the Waterside area."

Dibden and Hythe councillor Brian Dash added it was a sad but necessary issue to discuss the proposals.

"This is rather depressing, talking about this because it's a fall-back position - how to mitigate a disaster.

"I can't believe that anyone with any environmental feelings whatsoever should judge that Dibden Bay should be built on and that the quality of life of those people living in the Waterside and in Totton should be severely disrupted."

The Dibden Bay inquiry resumes today and is due to end on December 13.