The new facility would share the deepest approach channel of any UK container port with the Port of Felixstowe and, in a similar way, would benefit from existing road and rail connections.

The usual battle lines will be drawn at the Public Inquiry, with HPUK arguing that the development will create new jobs and give the nation much-needed additional box handling capacity while the PortsWatch consortium of eight environmental and transport NGOs will cite environmental damage and diminished quality of life for local communities as reasons to veto the proposal. PortsWatch is also calling on the British Government to adopt a national ports strategy before allowing any new development.

HPUK also operates the Port of Felixstowe, which is the UK's biggest boxport and where, in a separate application, a 1.5 million teus expansion is planned. The Government and HPUK will be challenged regarding Bathside Bay on issues of monopoly and competition.

Unlike Dibden Bay, where there was fierce opposition from sections of the local community, HPUK is supported by groups such as Support Port Expansion And Kill Off Unemployment Threat (SPEAKOUT) and claims 84% approval for their plans was given in an independent survey. Ports Watch also has allies within the community, and all views will be heard as the Public Inquiry runs until 17th September.

MJ Information No: 19414