CONTROVERSIAL plans to stage medieval jousting tournaments in a New Forest village could go ahead after civic chiefs rejected an alternative proposal for the site.

A bid to build two detached houses at a former equestrian centre in Brockenhurst has been thrown out by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

Villagers had supported the application on the grounds it would destroy the threat of jousting on the site once and for all.

But NPA members refused to back the housing scheme, saying it would be wrong to approve what they described as “the lesser of two evils”.

Last night the applicant, Hampshire entrepreneur Alan Girling, said: “We can go back to jousting if we want to.

“We tried to heed the wishes of the objectors but the NPA’s planning committee has ignored the democratic wishes of local people.”

Villagers said they felt let down by the authority.

Russell Horne, former chairman of Brockenhurst Parish Council, said: “Most people in the village are concerned about jousting or any other activity that might take place on the site. I think the NPA should have taken more account of public opinion.”

The plan to build homes on part of the site in Rhinefield Road had attracted 30 letters of support from anti-jousting campaigners.

Thorold Masefield told the committee: “If you reject this application you will condemn Brockenhurst to noise, traffic chaos and perpetual nuisance.”

NPA member Barry Rickman, who is also leader of the district council, dismissed one of the main arguments against the planned new houses.

He said: “To describe this site as being in open countryside is stupid – it’s right on the edge of an urban conurbation.

“We have an opportunity today to make an exceptional decision about an exceptional site and make everyone’s life a lot happier.”

Planning consultant Jerry Davies, representing the applicant, cited the “overwhelming public support” for the proposal.

But a report to members said the scheme contravened a planning policy that aimed to prevent private housing being built on rural land.

Maureen Holding, who is also a district councillor for Brockenhurst, highlighted the need to halt the creeping urbanisation of the Forest.

She said: “If you start building on this site it will set a dangerous precedent – and not just for Brockenhurst.”

The application was rejected by eight votes to three.

Four year battle

VILLAGERS have spent four years fighting plans to stage jousting tournaments at the former stables and livery yard.

Objectors say shows attended by up to 1,000 spectators would create excessive noise as well as attracting too much traffic to the site, which is surrounded by narrow country lanes.

Two licensing applications made by Mr Girling were rejected by New Forest District Council after sparking 80 objections.

But the Boldre-based businessman says a change in the licensing laws means he no longer needs the council’s consent.