CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish Matchams Stadium to make way for a housing development have been refused.

An application for outline planning permission to raze the 50-year-old stadium at Matchams Park off Hurn Road, and build 40 homes went before East Dorset District Council planners yesterday.

Under the plans most of the site – some 38 acres – would be turned into a conservation area and just under 20 acres would become an informal recreation ground.

But the committee unanimously voted to refuse the application in accordance with the planning officer’s recommendations.

They stated nine reasons why it should not go ahead – including the fact the site is in the green belt, and they were worried over the impact it could have on the adjacent protected heathland.

One of the main planning reasons was also the loss of sporting facilities at the site, which is currently home to motocross, karting and banger racing.

The officer’s report states: “The protection of existing facilities is vital for the continued development of sport.”

It adds that the developer’s argument that “suitable alternative provision” exists elsewhere was not adequately demonstrated.

The news will be greeted with pleasure by motor sport fans. The application brought in 40 letters from the public, the majority from motocross fans calling for the historic stadium to be saved.

This is the third application for the site to fall down. Owner Eaglebeam Ltd submitted plans in 2004 for a mixed use scheme comprising 51 homes, business, hotel and restaurant uses.

And in 2007 an application for 40 dwellings was submitted but later withdrawn to allow revisions after comments from Natural England.