The year-long public inquiry into plans to build a massive new port at one of the country's most famous wildlife habitats has ended.

The controversial plans by Associated British Ports (APB) for the container port at Dibden Bay on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire became a focus for environmental protests.

Campaigners say that if the development goes ahead it will destroy grazing marsh and mudflats which provides winter homes for 50,000 birds.

But ABP say the �600m deep water port on Southampton Water is vital for the UK and regional economy and that it will create thousands of jobs.

Rare species of geese and lapwing were found

The final decision on the plan rests with Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.

English Nature, the government's wildlife advisor, is opposing the plan after naming the bay an area of special scientific interest after birdwatchers spotted rare breeding lapwing.

Local authorities are divided, with Southampton City Council in favour of the development while Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council are against it.

During the inquiry held in Southampton, ABP has met with opposition parties to try and find solutions to their concerns.

They have offered an environmental mitigation package, including a one-mile long creek, to compensate for destroyed habitat along Southampton Water.

The Dibden Bay inquiry is likely to be the last full scale public inquiry into a large planning application as the government wants to streamline the process.

Planning Inspector Michael Hurley will present his recommendations to the transport secretary next year.