OTTERS, great crested newts and pipistrelle bats could all suffer if a new dock development went ahead on the shores of Southamptpon Water, a public inquiry has been told.

environment Agency recreation and conservation officer Tim Holzer told the inquiry into plans for a container terminal at Dibden Bay that there was evidence of otters in the area near the bay.

Giving evidence on freshwater life in the Marchwood and Dibden streams running through the bay, Mr Holzer referred to evidence of otters on the River Itchen, as well as the Beaulieu and Lymington rivers.

"In my opinion," he said, "the Marchwood and Dibden streams are probably one of the most strategically important corridors for otters moving between the River Itchen and streams within the New Forest."

Both streams would be affected by the construction of the bay and Mr Holzer also referred to the possibility of crested newts in a pond in the Veal's Row area of the bay, which is near the edge of the proposed terminal boundary.

If their presence was confirmed, he said, it would "greatly increase" the nature conservation value of the site.

He added that sheltered ponds and streams such as those at Veal's Row Meadows, are important as feeding grounds for the pipistrelle bat, which is known to exist in the New Forest.

Mr Holzer complained that the environmental statement on the plans proposed by Southampton Docks owner Associated British Ports was "seriously deficient in terms of the quality and quantity of information supplied".