This mad-cap plan has gone to public inquiry where the massive damage caused by the port, and local objections, will be carefully scrutinised

Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth

Many local residents are opposed to the proposals and environmental group Friends of the Earth is leading protests against the scheme.

Tony Juniper, director designate of the organisation, said: "This proposed port is unnecessary, unpopular and will cause enormous damage to one of the most sensitive and supposedly protected areas in the UK.

"It is astonishing that such a well-known corporation as Associated British Ports is seriously proposing it."

He added: "At least this mad-cap plan has gone to public inquiry where the massive damage caused by the port, and local objections, will be carefully scrutinised."

English Nature, the government's wildlife advisory group, says the super-port will have a detrimental effect on birds such as brent geese, oystercatchers, ringed and grey plover, curlew, lapwing and teal.

Among the sites that it has argued should not be harmed include:

• Solent maritime region, a candidate for special area conservation (SAC) status and includes the Hamble Estuary;
• Solent and Southampton Water Special Protection Area;
• The River Itchen, a candidate for SAC status.

Richard Leafe, of English Nature, said it objected to the impact the terminal construction scheme was likely to have.

He said: "We would like the inquiry inspectors to fully recognise the harm this development is likely to cause."