Conflicts of coastal development - Dibden Bay

Dibden Bay:In 2000 it was realised that the UKs container capacity needed expanding to avoid loss of business to other European portsAssociated British Ports (ABP) had no room for expansion on the Test side of the estuary. However a large area of land had been reclaimed opposite (Dibden) for port expansionWhy is it suitable for development: On a ria (deep water channel) Close to existing industry in Southampton - trade/transport, links/employment Reclaimed land - suitable for building - drained, flat Costs: SSSI - supports 50,000 water birds - this would all be destroyed Traffic would increae on A326 Congestion - noise pollution Increased fuel spills Impact negatively on National Park - pollution Cost £700 million Take 9 years to build Views affected Leisure use affected Benefits: 3000 jobs created Allows larger ships further inland and accommodates large cruise ships Expansion of container port - keep up with trade Coul hold 6 ships at a time New access road to A326 and new rail link would be built