A PUBLIC inquiry into the proposed expansion of Teignmouth docks is to open on September 16.
To cater for the new generation of larger ships now in service, Associated British Ports (ABP) wants to fill in the port's No 1 dock, and build a new wider and straighter quay and a new public slipway at Polly Steps.
It also plans to increase the port's warehouse and storage space.
ABP said that its application for a harbour revision order is supported by an environmental report compiled after nearly a year of detailed research into the Teign estuary and its surroundings, as well as thorough consultations with the harbour authorities, other river users and local residents.
But inevitably there has been opposition from some residents and environmentalists, and ABP has called for the inquiry to settle controversial issues.
Colin Greenwell, the port manager, said: 'This report is acknowledged as one of the most thorough and professional documents ever produced on this part of the estuary, and key statutory organisations, including English Nature and the Environment Agency, as well as the national environmental groups, have not objected to our application.'
He acknowledged that some residents and local bodies had concerns, and that was why numerous discussions had been held with them.
'ABP has been upfront about its proposals from the start,' he said. 'But in order to move forward with this project, we have now asked for a public inquiry.'
Nick Palmer, an ABP director, added: 'The trend in recent years is for the size of ships to increase, meaning that fewer but larger ships are calling at the port to service the needs of our existing customers.
'This development is therefore essential to maintain the competitiveness of Teignmouth Quay, to secure the jobs of those directly and indirectly involved with the port and to ensure that the local economy continues to benefit from importing and exporting local products through the port in a cost-efficient manner.'
But Malcolm Rae, secretary of the Teignmouth & Shaldon Environment Society, called for an independent survey of the estuary.
'We are concerned at the implications of these proposals,' he said. 'We know that ships are getting bigger, but feel that while the docks are increasingly important to the town, they should not be developed to the exclusion of everyone else.'
Mr Rae highlighted the concerns of the residents of Alexandra Terrace, other water users, and the worries over the erosion of sand on the back beach and at Shaldon.