OWNERS of a campsite at Three Legged Cross are being investigated for allegedly breaching planning laws.

Gundrys Farm, at School Lane off Ringwood Road, is being looked into by council officers after complaints were made over the number of caravans at the site.

Part of the site - owned by Royale Parks Ltd, according to an unnamed manager on site - has a seasonal lawful development certificate for 30 units which can be either caravans, tents and/or motorhomes. The season lasts from Easter until September each year on one field only. There is also a certificate elsewhere for caravan storage.

But it is claimed that in recent months there have been some 200 caravans spotted travelling down the little lane and electricity points have been erected for hundreds of pitches.

It is also claimed that an extra toilet block and shower block have been installed and water tanks added.

Jane Lynch, head of planning at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: "The council is aware of the alleged breaches of planning control on the above site and are in the process of investigating the matter and considering what actions should be taken to regularise the situation if necessary."

Royale Parks Ltd were contacted for comment on the matter but had failed to provide a comment, at the time of going to press.

The company is part-owned by Robert Bull - one of the two new owners of Tall Trees Park at Matchams Lane which remains at the centre of a planning enforcement row.

It is understood the company - Royale Parks Christchurch Ltd - had also purchased neighbouring Portview caravan park and Mount Pleasant touring park.