TWO OF the most important public inquiries in the history of the New Forest are set to clash.

A planning inspector has rejected calls to postpone the forthcoming inquiry into the Countryside Agency's proposal to turn the Forest into a National Park.

The hearing is due to start in October - and will coincide with the ongoing inquiry into plans for a £750m port at Dibden Bay.

Campaigners condemned the decision to hold the two inquiries at the same time and vowed to seek a judicial review.

Calls to delay the National Park hearing were made yesterday at the Lyndhurst Park Hotel, where the event will be held.

Critics complained that the proposed starting date would result in local organisations having to gather evidence for two inquiries simultaneously.

Anger increased after it was stated that the Countryside Agency was unlikely to produce key papers on the National Park plan until August 19.

That will give objectors just two months to study the documents and prepare their case.

Organisations involved in both inquiries include Associated British Ports (ABP), which is fighting proposals to include Dibden Bay in the National Park.

ABP representative Brian Greenwood told yesterday's meeting that the long-running Dibden Bay hearing was unlikely to finish until December at the earliest.

He added: "We're extremely concerned about the timing of the National Park inquiry - as are many other people. I would ask that it be delayed."

Bob Cooper, representing Minstead Manor Commoners, expressed similar views.

Planning inspector Roy Foster, who will chair the inquiry, said proposals to start hearing evidence on October 8 would inconvenience a minority of objectors.

He added: "I really do feel that the inquiry should start in October. There are many people who can begin to put their case to me at that time."

After the meeting Mr Cooper, a former solicitor, said he and his supporters would be pressing for a judicial review.

Last month New Forest District Council also sought a delay in a move backed by New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis.

Dr Lewis said the two inquiries were of vital importance to the future of the area and should be held at separate times.

About 100 objectors are due to give evidence at the National Park hearing, which is expected to last six months.