ABLE UK has pledged to work with environmental groups to ensure wildlife is protected as plans for a South Humber super port progress.

The RSPB and Natural England have raised concerns the natural habitat of water birds, such as lapwings, golden plovers and black-tailed godwits, may be damaged were the development to go ahead.

wildlife concerns: Birdwatchers look out on the Humber Estuary as a ship heads into one of the ports. Picture: Ian Cartwright

But business chiefs at Able UK are keen to make sure the wildlife of the Humber Bank is protected.

Neil Etherington, group development director at Able UK, said: "We're happy to address problems and concerns by having a constructive dialogue over the number of interests.

"What we've always set out to achieve is to have a commercial development living in harmony with the environment.

"We work closely with the planning authority, Natural England and all other groups concerned."

Environmentalists said they were worried their advice was not being heeded.

The RSPB has written to North Lincolnshire Council, which will consider the application for the super port, to outline its concerns about the proposed development.

Peter Robertson, the RSPB's Northern England regional director, said: "If this development is approved against statutory advice, it could have an adverse effect on wildlife.

"This could make it far more difficult for future proposals to get planning permission and reduce potential future job opportunities for local people."

But environmentalists say they are hopeful discussions with Able UK can continue.

North Lincolnshire Council will decide whether to approve the plans for the port-related storage facility on the South Humber Bank.

A council spokesman said: "We continue to work closely and positively with Natural England, which is a statutory consultee in the planning process. We do so to ensure the natural environment is protected while, at the same time, enabling the considerable opportunities for economic growth on the South Humber Gateway to be realised – at long last."

Business leaders are hopeful the plans will go ahead.

Richard Kendall, policy executive for the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's a hugely important development for the region and needs to go ahead.

"It will bring jobs to the area.

"Everyone needs to be consulted as part of the planning process."