THE building of a new container port at Dibden Bay is "not vital" to the future economic prosperity of Southampton, the public inquiry into the proposal has heard.

Julie Astin, giving evidence on behalf of Friends Of The Earth, told planning inspector Michael Hurley that ABP were putting shareholders interests and company profits at the centre of their proposal.

Speaking yesterday on Day 13 of the biggest public inquiry on the south coast for years, she said:

"We contend that this inquiry will show that the proposed development is not vital to the economic development or regeneration of the Southampton area; nor will there be unacceptable consequences if it fails to go ahead.

"If ABP are so concerned about the future of Southampton Docks, why was WestQuay and Ocean Village allowed to be developed for non-port commercial activities.

"They (ABP) are only taking a medium term perspective, not taking the true costs on the environment and local communities; and exaggerating the benefits of the proposal"

Julie Astin's forceful views were countered with equal vigour by Martin Kingston QC, representing ABP.

Inquiry Day 13 also saw evidence given by New Forest District Council and Friends of the Earth.

Simon Trueick, Dibden Bay Project co-ordinator at New Forest District Council, said no-need case had been made for the development of port facilities at Dibden Bay that offset environmental concerns.

He said: "If the inspector goes against our objections, Hampshire County Council and ourselves want an obligation from ABP to produce an environmental management plan for maintenance and future management of all landscaping works for the container port development.

"All aspects should be covered including the Hythe Marina Bund, the Exchange Land at Westcliff Hall, and the road and rail proposals.

"We also want noise limits, a lorry routing agreement, company travel plans and limitations to HGV traffic."

The lengthy and financially costly public inquiry has seen Associated British Ports try to convince planning inspector Michael Hurley and, in the long term, Secretary of State Stephen Byers, that a massive new container terminal must go ahead.

ABP bosses believe it's vital not only to the economy of Southampton but also the county of Hampshire and the country as a whole.

Edward Dawson, representing the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, told the inquiry that the container port project had "no strategic or local merit" and should be refused.

He said: "Dibden Bay should not be regarded as being a suitable site for a new port.

"If it is felt that there will be significant growth in demand, and that additional container handling capacity is required in the UK, then it should be the immediate task of the government to undertake pan-regional studies, aimed at assessing future needs."