IT COULD be the shape of things to come.

This dramatic image shows how the view from Southampton will change beyond all recognition if the £700 million Dibden Bay development gets the go-ahead.

Today, the Daily Echo shows computer-generated pictures that have been presented to the inquiry into whether the massive extension to Southampton Port should get the go-ahead.

The images have been created by Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council, opponents to the development.

The authorities say the pictures accurately depict how the waterfront at Dibden, directly across from Southampton, will look when the scheme is completed.

Marine experts were brought in to calculate the size and shape of the cranes and other port buildings that would line Dibden.

Opponents hope the images will help their case and lead to the scheme by Associated British Ports being dropped.

For more dramatic images of how Dibden Bay could look - see pages 8&9 of today's Daily Echo.