A BID to bring medieval jousting tournaments to the Hampshire countryside sparked a furious battle between a businessman and locals.

But it ended in victory for the residents who were worried the events would create traffic chaos.

Now both sides are set for a rematch after the man behind the plans for a site in the heart of the New Forest revealed he wants to try again.

Entrepreneur Alan Girling had previously wanted to to turn a disused barn in the New Forest National Park into an entertainment venue.

Objectors claimed that the scheme would clog up the narrow country lanes surrounding the site off Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst.

Two licensing applications made by Mr Girling were rejected by the district council after attracting 80 protests, including one from the National Park Authority (NPA).

But the Boldre-based businessman has launched another bid for the project, claiming that changes to the licensing laws mean he no longer needs consent.

Mr Girling said he was now free to stage jousting and other activities at the former Black Knoll Equestrian Centre.

He added: “Changes to the Licensing Act by Parliament mean that activities planned for the centre can take place throughout the year.

“It’s good news for those concerned about the shortage of much-needed employment within the area.

“Discussions with experienced event planners and operators have now commenced, the priority being that the events are a success, well run and a credit to the village.”

But Cllr Maureen Holding, who represents Brockenhurst on the council, said any external alterations to the barn would require planning consent from the NPA.

She added: “The building is an absolute shambles. To do anything, including widening the access, he’d have to get planning permission.”

An NPA spokesman said: “The authority has not given the goahead for any specific re-use of the property.”

Mr Girling’s first application for a licence from the council was rejected in 2010.

Objectors claimed the scheme would attract too much traffic to the area.

A second application was thrown out less than a year later, leaving anti-jousting campaigners confident that they had finally defeated their opponent.

But Mr Girling is determined to forge ahead with the project and claims the first events could take place at Christmas.

He said: “I shall seek to encourage the eventual operator to provide well-run events to the benefit of employment and tourism for the area at large and Brockenhurst in particular.

“Other than that the final control will be with the appointed operator.”