Port operator withdraws vehicle terminal plans

A port operator has withdrawn plans for a new vehicle terminal that would expand the Port of Southampton.

Associated British Ports (ABP) has withdrawn its Solent Gateway 2 project from the Planning Inspectorate's development consent process but said it still hopes to develop the scheme in the future.

The proposed Dibden Bay development included a two-berth jetty for roll-on, roll-off vehicle cargo, terminal space and a new access road connecting the site to the A326.

The move comes as ABP said it would look instead at creating more space in Southampton and at the existing Solent Gateway at Marchwood.

The firm said it needed to "accelerate the delivery of additional capacity" sooner due to "strong customer demand".

The submitted scheme also included possible changes to existing rail facilities, alongside environmental improvements and better public access between Hythe and Marchwood.

An ABP spokesperson said there remained "strong demand" for the project in the longer term and that it would help maintain Southampton's position as a leading UK and European port.

Hythe and Dibden Parish Council chairman Mark Clark described the withdrawal as a "significant development" for local communities but said it would be "premature" to assume it marked the end of proposals for Dibden Bay.

The parish council said it would now consider the implications of the withdrawal and whether further representations should be made to Hampshire County Council and the New Forest National Park Authority.