CONTROVERSIAL plans for a multi-million pound port expansion have gone under the spotlight – as protestors warned of the grim impact that it could have on the surrounding area.

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a multi-million pound port expansion have gone under the spotlight – as protestors warned of the grim impact that it could have on the surrounding area.

Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited have submitted three planning applications to Tendring District Council in a bid to expand Harwich International Port at Bathside Bay.

If approved, the plans would see the UK's second-largest container port created at the bay by 2010, potentially bringing with it almost 800 new jobs.

But people living opposite the site on the Shotley peninsula fear it will destroy the area, causing huge environmental problems as well as noise and light pollution.

Last night, in a bid to allay those fears, the company put on a roadshow in Shotley Village Hall to give locals the full story behind the plans.

Boasting pictures, diagrams, leaflets and a DVD showing how the project will look, the exhibition was attended by around 70 concerned residents.

One of those who took the opportunity to look over the plans was Tim Mason, chairman of Starboard, a Shotley group campaigning against the expansion.

He said: "To be honest, I thought they would have done better. I would have been more impressed had they given us, as the objectors, the opportunity to stand on a platform beside them and voice our concerns – but I'm not surprised that they didn't."

Paul Davey – corporate affairs manager for Hutchison Ports UK – said he was happy with the roadshow.

"I think it's been good and I'm very pleased with the turnout," he added. "The main issues that people have been coming with are possible environmental impact and concerns about noise and light.

"I know many people have deep-seated views about the development, but I hope to some extent we've allayed those fears."