CAMPAIGNERS have won the first round of their battle to prevent 810,000 tonnes of sand and gravel being extracted from a green belt site in the New Forest.

Controversial plans to turn Downton Manor Farm, Milford-on-Sea, into a giant gravel pit were rejected by one vote at a meeting of Hampshire County Council's regulatory committee yesterday.

The decision to refuse the application, which had sparked more than 1,200 objections, was greeted with applause by villagers sitting in the public gallery.

James Sey, chairman of Downton Against Mineral and Gravel Extraction (Damage), said: "Residents are absolutely delighted. Justice has been seen to be done."

Several committee members spoke in favour of the application, but others warned that the scheme would have a "devastating" impact on the area.

One of their main concerns was the potential effect on the tourist industry.

Downton Manor Farm is next to the award-winning Shorefield Country Park, which comprises 800 holiday homes and contributes an estimated £20m a year to the local economy.

Representatives from the five-star facility warned that any reduction in its annual turnover would have a "dramatic" impact on local shops and businesses.

Mr Sey expressed similar views.

He told the committee: "Milford is the last coastal village in the central south that has a full range of shops and support services.

"This has been sustained by the income and patronage of tourism - and if tourism declines so will local businesses."

Mel Kendal, leader of New Forest District Council, said: "The proposed development will have a substantial impact on the environment of people who live in the area and those who visit on holiday."

Bob Bishop, vice chairman of the local parish council, said: "It would be difficult to imagine an application that could be less acceptable."

Milford county councillor Alan Rice said: "Council officers have described the gravel extraction scheme as low key.

"If it really is low key, is it really worth all the distress it will cause?"

John Salmon, representing the applicant, New Milton Sand and Gravel, said earth banks and other environmental measures would minimise the effect of the machinery.

He added: "When the banks are in place there will be no noise or visual impact. The working will not be seen or heard."

However, committee members went against the advice of officers and rejected the scheme by six votes to five.

Now campaigners must wait to learn if New Milton Sand and Gravel will lodge an appeal.