NEW Forest District Council has been accused of putting the very maximum emphasis on the impact of Dibden Bay on its surrounding landscape.

The public inquiry into plans for a container terminal at the Bay heard continuing evidence that it would be seen as far away as Pepperbox Hill in Wiltshire.

Martin Kingston, QC for Southampton Docks owner Associated British Ports which wants to build the terminal, was clearly unhappy that a Pepperbox impact had been included at all.

Under Mr Kingston's cross examination, district council landscape architect Neil Williamson insisted: "There would be some impact."

Mr Kingston then suggested: "Your approach to this matter was that in circumstances where there was any doubt, the benefit of the doubt went in favour of certain impact, didn't it?"

But Mr Williamson said: "I stand by my assessment."

As Mr Kingston continued to question his judgement, Mr Williamson said: "There was no doubt in my mind.''