A LEADING critic of plans to develop Dibden Bay has warned that the controversial scheme would "degrade" Hythe Marina Village.

John Trustram Eve, who was giving evidence on behalf of Hythe Marina Association, said the waterfront homes would be hit by noise and light pollution.

The marina is next door to the 500-acre site where Associated British Ports (ABP) wants to build a huge container terminal.

Mr Trustram Eve has lived at the marina since 1988 and was chairman of the marina association when the Dibden Bay scheme was unveiled.

He told the inquiry: "My evidence is concerned with an overview of the effects that these proposals would have on the marina, its residents and berth holders. "Developing the land and operating the port could not be achieved without causing unacceptable consequences to the marina occupants."

Mr Trustram Eve said plans to replace a bund at the southern end of Dibden Bay would "imprison" the marina behind a high bank.

He added: "The position at night will be far worse. "One look at the environmental statement shows how badly the marina would be affected by the reflected light and night glow.

"Combined with a significant level of noise it would be very intrusive.

"It will convert a housing area in a rural location into one that adjoins a major industrial operation running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year." Mr Trustram Eve said the 47-acre marina would suffer "specific degradation" if the ABP scheme was approved by the government following the inquiry.

He said: "Construction of the port would cause a number of adverse consequences.

"The ones that would have the greatest effect are dredging in or near the marina, piling, earthworks for the creek and port and reconstructing the bund.

"The effects of construction are by themselves severe enough to suggest that the proposals as submitted should not be approved."

He said: "It is abundantly clear to me that the Dibden Terminal will be much too close to the marina for any mitigation to reduce the effects.

"The proposals as submitted by ABP do not and cannot make adequate provision to reduce the impact on local communities to an acceptable level."

Much of yesterday's hearing was taken up with cross-examination.

County planning officer Tim Greenwood, who gave his evidence at the end of last week, was grilled by Martin Kingston QC, representing ABP.

Mr Greenwood was questioned on a wide range of issues, including the county council's planning policies.