The lengthy fight by residents to protect their Poole open space by having it registered as a town green has come to an end.

Borough of Poole licensing sub-committee’s three members unanimously voted not to make Branksome Rec a town green.

“I’m sad we lost,” said Jacqui Wilson, who led Branksome Recreation Action Group’s campaign. “Branksome residents trying to raise the £30,000 to go to judicial review is going to be impossible.”

Councillors accepted the 75-page report by an independent inspector who recommended rejecting the residents’ application.

After an inquiry held last October, inspector Martin Carter concluded residents had not made out their case. He said they had not proved the use of the land over the relevant 20-year period was by right from the council and not as of right by use, and that they came from a proven locality. The landowner, the council, argued that the rec had enough protection and town green status could mean restrictions on a range of activities and improvements.

“It’s not a case of as of right or by right, it’s a case of doing right to protect land from developers,” Mrs Wilson said. “As long as the awareness has been raised across Poole for the plight of recreational space, that’s not seen by the tourists, it’s been worthwhile.

“Some are in desperate need of some TLC and that’s far more important than getting a town or village green application.”

And she said she was looking forward to the green gym the council was going to install, and other improvements to Branksome Rec.

A second TVG application has been registered for Baiter and Whitecliff and residents in other areas are also considering applications.