CIVIC chiefs have rejected proposals submitted by a seasonal campsite that has sparked a "significant" number of complaints from people living nearby.
New Forest District Council has refused a retrospective application relating to Jubilee Camping at Browns Lane, Damerham, after receiving 45 letters of objection.
The applicants sought consent to permanently retain four portable buildings that house showers and toilets.
But objectors said the campsite threatened the tranquility of Damerham by causing noise and disturbance each summer. They described the buildings as unsightly, claiming that approving the application would "make a mockery" of the planning system.
Protesters included ward councillor Edward Heron, who is also leader of the authority.
In a letter to the planning department he said the council had received a significant number of complaints about the harm caused by camping activities on the site.
But supporters of the proposal said the "excellent and well maintained" buildings had only a minimal impact and were an asset to the community.
A report produced by council planning officers was largely sympathetic to the application.
It said: "The two larger buildings are comparable in their design and size to small stable buildings which are typical of a rural area.
"Approval would enable the facilities to remain on site all year round with limited impact on the character and appearance of the area.
"The retention of the blocks would have no impact on whether the campsite operates and would not affect traffic generation through the village."
The report recognised "genuine concerns" in the area about the campsite and its impact on people living nearby. But it said legislation allowed the land to be used for up to 28 days a years for various purposes, including camping.
The application said the buildings helped provide a "high quality tourism offer" on the site.
But councillors went against the officers' advice and rejected the application on the grounds the buildings were an "unjustified development" in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Jubilee Camping said it wanted to prolong the buildings' lifespan by keeping them in the same place all year round.
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