WORRIED residents fear an influx of the horsey set could spell misery for their Dorset village.

Neighbours in Lytchett Matravers have pleaded with planning chiefs to reject proposals for a new polo club at Heath Farm.

People living close to the planned site in Huntick Road, are worried the club will create a sharp increase in traffic and feature a public address system that will “shatter the peace of our weekends”.

Plans for a change of use, from a farm to a polo club with associated pavilion, have been registered with Purbeck District Council.

Neighbour Graham Chamber, of Wimborne Road, said: “The country roads around this village are not capable of taking the volumes of traffic, including large horse boxes, lorries and 4x4 vehicles.

“After living in Wimborne Road for the past 20 years we have seen many near misses with horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians.”

Peter Lappin, of Taylors Farm, Wimborne Road, said: “Many people’s enjoyment of their own properties will be totally spoilt as, without exaggeration, this will make people’s lives miserable.

“I strongly feel that whatever the outcome the use of a public address system should be forbidden.”

Lions Court resident Dr Cindy Wood believes the club would be unable to avoid creating noise and nuisance for villagers.

“While the idea of a polo club is not something we have any inherent objection to, it is the siting of this so close to houses and the possibility of a considerable amount of noise that is the basis of our objection,” she said.

Wareham-based architects Morgan Carey are acting as agents for the scheme, which is earmarked to go before the planning committee at the end of the month.

Lytchett Heath Estate owner Anthony Cecil insists he is happy to engage with local residents on the proposals.

He says the plans are for a instructional polo club, that will hopefully attract members of the Pony Club, schoolchildren and others who want to learn the game.

“Hopefully there will be matches played occasionally,” he said.

“But my guess is that 90 per cent of any spectators would be family coming along to see their children.”

“As far as the public address system goes, we will talk to residents and try to use a small one with speakers pointed in a way to minimise any disruption to local houses.

“The reason I’m keen to establish this club is that it allows me do something that allows the land to be maintained – and something that will work at a commercial level for the people running it.”