A HOTEL boss has hit out at council officers for their "short-sighted" and "backward" decision to reject plans for more treehouse guest suites at the five-star resort.

Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa sought permission for new accommodation space in a wooded area of its site in Christchurch Road, New Milton.

As the location of the scheme on the Green Belt land was across the county border the application was considered by BCP Council.

The plans were backed by the local authority's destination and culture team, however, planning officers rejected the proposed scheme.

Chewton Glen already has some treehouses, with approval for these coming from New Forest District Council's planning committee despite officers recommending refusal.

The rejected application to BCP Council for an additional three treehouses would have created space for six more guest suites.

Andrew Stembridge, Chewton Glen managing director, said: "It is very disappointing that BCP Council and its local councillors have not supported this planning application for a very small number of additional treehouses at Chewton Glen and the very special circumstances we have cited appear to have been blatantly ignored."

Mr Stembridge said the existing eight treehouses had brought "unprecedented international kudos to the region" and allowed the hotel to "continue to flourish and ultimately remain competitive against the backdrop of new competitors in neighbouring areas".

"The original project was ground breaking in so many ways, creating luxury, yet sustainable new suites on stilts and delivering a number of ecological improvements as part of the project," Mr Stembridge said.

He added: "With more than 350 employees, Chewton Glen is undoubtedly one of the most significant employers in the district and for more than 50 years it has been setting the benchmark for hospitality both in the UK and internationally.

"Clearly Chewton Glen attracts an exceptionally high net worth audience who spend incrementally locally with most of the hotels suppliers based in the region and the team living nearby.

"Ultimately in terms of sustainable regional development this feels like a very short-sighted and backward decision at a time where economic development is particularly critical.”

A report by a BCP Council planning officer said the application failed to meet the "very special circumstances" requited to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriate development.

"The treehouses do not diversify or develop the offer of the hotel into new markets or opportunities but look to provide more of an existing offer already provided by the hotel," Ms Mawdsley's report said.

"The very special circumstances therefore in this instance are largely concentrated on the economic benefits of the existing operation. There is no indication that these benefits are particularly at risk without the proposed development."

New Forest District Council recommended refusal given the Green Belt location but no objection was raised by BCP Council's tree and landscaping team.

There was support from BCP Council destination and culture officer Andrew Emery.

He said: "This proposal makes a positive contribution to BCP's tourist accommodation and can only improve the facilities offered to guests making it a world class offer therefore, tourism fully support this proposal."