 |
| Cllr David Harrison |
A leading Councillor has called upon Hampshire County Council to make an offer for Dibden Bay. Recently, port bosses made it clear that they haven’t completely given up on ambitions to develop the land, within the New Forest district, for port related activities.
Responding to the news, Town, District and County Councillor, David Harrison, has asked Hampshire County Council to consider bidding for ownership of the bay.
He says “The best way to see off this threat is for the County Council to purchase this important site. If the County Council makes a reasonable offer, possibly in partnership with other local authorities, then shareholders of Associated British Ports would have to consider selling”.
Councillor Harrison has written to the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr. Ken Thornber, asking him to consider making a bid for Dibden Bay.
Cllr. Ken Thornber, Leader, Hampshire County Council,
The Castle,
Winchester,
Hants
4th August 2008
Dear Ken, RE: Dibden Bay
It is with great regret that Associated British Ports have made it clear, recently, that they still have a long-term ambition to develop land at Dibden Bay for port related activity. I'm quite shocked by this because they reportedly spent some £50 million in the failed bid at convincing a government inspector that they should be given approval, only a few years ago.
My own view is that the reasons for rejecting their plans are even more valid now than they were then.
The objectors to the scheme were aided by a very strong cross-party consensus that such a development was not welcome in the New Forest. I'm also mindful that Hampshire County Council has, in the past, been very successful at acquiring land in the community interest by prudent purchasing decisions.
Would the current administration consider making Associated British Ports an offer, (possibly in partnership with other Authorities) for the land at Dibden Bay?
I believe that the shareholders of the company would be duty bound to consider any reasonable offer. The land has massive potential for public open space. Over time, it might be possible to recoup the cost by making a small charge to visitors through entry fees, car-parking or other appropriate means.
Such a purchase would protect this very important part of the New Forest forever.
Yours Sincerely,
Cllr. David Harrison
|
|
