SOUTHAMPTON'S high-rise office blocks would be less attractive places to work in if their views of the New Forest were "obliterated" by a dock at Dibden Bay, a public inquiry has been told.

The inquiry into plans by Associated British Ports for a container terminal between Marchwood and Hythe heard that the offices affected included the Skandia Life Assurance building.

Giving evidence on the landscape impact of the terminal, Graham Baker of the Council for the Protection of Rural England highlighted the value of Southampton's views across the bay and the New Forest beyond it.

He said: "There is a price to pay for the acquisition of comparatively few jobs at Dibden Bay - and this price is not limited to the loss of a wholly disproportionate area of countryside, but potentially has adverse economic consequences for the city."

Similarly, he said, a "significantly" diminished quality of view from the West Quay development would make it less attractive for shoppers and for tourists, including those staying at the up-market De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel.

The inquiry had heard from Hythe and Dibden parish councillor Graham Parkes that views from Hythe village centre and also from its marina would be "significantly spoiled".

The Ramblers' Association, via countryside protection officer Emily Richmond, warned of the impact on the New Forest and recreational facilities in terms of noise, light pollution and traffic.

Consultant Mark Lintell, on behalf of the National Trust, which owns and manages more than 3,500 acres of New Forest land - spoke of the overall impact of the scheme on the character of the Forest. He added that the area also had international importance as a habitat for migratory birds.