PLANS to build a campsite on green belt land in Longham have been rejected.

Ferndown Town Council said the proposals would have a “detrimental” effect on the Ringwood Road site.

And Dorset Council has now refused to grant planning permission for the development saying the site would cause “unacceptable erosion” of the openness of the green belt.

Submitted by Tony Philips, the proposal sought to create a 12-pitch campsite on his land at Misty Meadows.

Peter Cantle, whose home borders the farmland earmarked for development, said the location was unsuitable.

“Unrestricted, exceptional noise from holidaymakers will affect the quiet enjoyment of our residential property,” he said.

Opposition to the scheme was echoed by the town council which agreed, unanimously, to submit a letter of objection.

It said: “It was considered that as the proposal was within the green belt, the application, if approved, it would have a detrimental effect on its character and appearance.

“The proposal restricts the openness and the permanence of the green belt.”

The application proposed seven caravan and five tent pitches alongside a washroom building and a picnic area in Ringwood Road (Google Maps picture left).

In 2011 an application to change the use of the land from agricultural to equestrian was approved but a condition limiting it to four horses was appealed. The appeal was dismissed by an inspector who said the restriction was important for protecting the green belt.

And now Dorset Council has refused planning permission for the latest scheme. A report by planning officer Caroline Smith said: “The impact on the openness of the green belt of an all-year-round use…would be significant and would result in an unacceptable erosion of the openness of the green belt. The proposed development would also result in an encroachment into the green belt that would be harmful to the purpose of including the land within the green belt.”