WILDLIFE sites in the Southampton area will be devastated if a £750m container terminal is built at Dibden Bay, a public inquiry was told.

English Nature said the scheme would have serious adverse effects on nationally important sites between the Lower Test Valley and the Upper Hamble Estuary.

The warning was issued by Dr Andy Clements, who is a general manager for English Nature.

Dr Clements is heading the organisation's team of witnesses at the inquiry, which is examining every aspect of plans submitted by Associated British Ports (ABP).

ABP is seeking the government's consent to build a six-berth terminal on reclaimed land between Hythe Marina Village and Marchwood Military Port.

English Nature - the government's nature conservation adviser - is one of the main objectors.

Dr Clements told the hearing: "We recognise that the ports industry is fundamental to the national economy. However, it's important to judge proposals against the legal and policy frameworks which aim to safeguard nature conservation interests. ABP has chosen not to accept our advice that the Dibden Bay scheme will have an adverse impact on the integrity of sites.

"English Nature's view is that the proposals as a whole would severely damage the nature conservation resource in and around Southampton Water.

"The proposals are likely to have a significant effect owing to habitat loss, changes in habitat quality and disturbance to birds."

Dr Clements warned that areas affected would include the River Itchen, which has been designated a Special Area of Conservation.

He said: "Salmon spawn in the River Itchen and their passage to and from the sea via Southampton Water is a key part of their life cycle. Detrimental effects such as increased sediment and additional levels of light at night may occur, and these will impede or deter the migrating salmon."

Proceeding.