The talking may be over but now the waiting begins, for all sides, in the controversial plans to build a world-class deep sea container port on Southampton Water.

It will probably be about next October before the government receives the planning inspector's recommendation on whether or not to develop the Dibden Terminal on reclaimed land opposite the present port side. Then it will be Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling's turn to make the final decision on the scheme.

Throughout the planning procedures, owners and operators of Southampton Docks, Associated British Ports (ABP) faced stiff opposition from local residents and environmental groups who claim the development is not needed and will damage wildlife.

At the end of the inquiry, Bo Lerenius, ABP's group chief executive, said: "If Southampton is not able to cope with the new and larger generation of container ships that will be developed in the near future, it will not just lose the trade emanating from those ships but will also be in danger of losing trade from smaller container ships and from transhipment activities.''

Speaking at a press conference Captain Jimmy Chestnutt, ABP's project manager for Dibden Terminal, said: "This project hits all four of the government's goals for sustainable development.

"Social progress which recognises the needs for everyone, effective protection of the environment, prudent use of natural resources and maintenance of high levels of economic growth and employment.''