A NOISE specialist has rejected claims that a planned £750m port at Dibden Bay will cause a deafening din.

Rupert Thornely-Taylor admitted that the controversial scheme had the potential to produce a "significant" amount of noise and vibration in the Hythe area.

However, he said mitigation measures would reduce its impact on Hythe Marina Village and other homes surrounding the proposed site.

Mr Thornely-Taylor was giving evidence at the public inquiry into an application by Associated British Ports to redevelop reclaimed coastline between Hythe and Marchwood.

Objectors are concerned about the noise likely to be generated by the port during its construction and operation.

They are also worried about a large increase in road and rail traffic and its impact on a comparatively quiet corner of Hampshire.

But Mr Thornely-Taylor told the inquiry that the terminal's contribution to local noise levels would range only from minor to insignificant.

He added: "The construction and operation of the Dibden Terminal has the potential to generate significant noise and vibration impacts.

"However, a number of mitigation measures will be implemented, including the shrouding of piling activity and the installation of noise barriers.

"The majority of construction noise from the terminal will be of minor significance and well below the thresholds set out in national guidelines."

Mr Thornely-Taylor admitted that noise caused by road-building would be of major significance, but claimed it would last for only a short time.

He added: "The noise impact of the terminal and the road traffic it generates will be of only minor significance. Similarly, rail traffic will generate noise of minor significance as a result of mitigation measures."

Turning to the issue of vibration, Mr Thornely-Taylor said it would have a significant impact only during the construction of the terminal.

"No significant vibration is likely to occur during the operation of the terminal, or from the road and rail traffic generated," he said.

Proceeding