COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have won their battle to defeat a multi-million-pound plan to transform two of the biggest campsites in the New Forest.

The verderers - the guardians of the Forest - have vetoed a controversial application by the Forestry Commission to upgrade the facilities at the Hollands Wood and Roundhill sites near Brockenhurst.

Leading organisations in the district had condemned the scheme, saying it would result in the urbanisation and over-commercialisation of the Forest.

Much of the criticism centred on plans to replace the buildings at Hollands Wood and provide campers with more than 160 electrical hook-ups.

Mike Cooper, representing the New Forest Association, told the Court of Verderers that the scheme would accelerate damage to what was supposed to be a heavily protected site.

Clive Maton, chairman of Denny Lodge Parish Council, said: "These proposals are alien to the New Forest landscape.

"Increased infrastructure, electrical hook-ups and modern-style buildings have no role in an ancient forest.

"Unfortunately, creeping urbanisation is all around. If we can't prevent it from happening in an environmentally sensitive area such as the New Forest we have failed in protecting this site for future generations."

The scheme also came under fire from John Wingham, vice-chairman of Brockenhurst Parish Council.

He said local residents were opposed to the provision of electrical hook-ups, which would result in more motorhomes visiting the area.

Other speakers included Jack Sturgess, representing Hampshire Field Club.

He said: "This society has carried out a detailed study of the Roundhill area and it is clear that the Forestry Commission's proposals would be extremely damaging to this archaeologically-rich part of the Forest."

After studying the application the verderers decided to refuse consent.

Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre said: "The Forest is one of the most heavily protected conservation areas in the world.

"We had to bear this very much in mind when considering the Forestry Commission's request for consent to significantly modernise and upgrade the facilities at both campsites.

"The decision presented us with a classic conflict between recreation and conservation. We felt we had no option but to put the Forest first."

Forestry Commission officials said they regretted the verderers' decision.

The scheme included proposals to get rid of half of the 600 pitches at Hollands Wood and cut the size of Roundhill to protect the surrounding countryside.

Deputy Surveyor Mike Seddon commented: "The proposals sought to balance this imperative with the needs of the local economy and visitors who have for generations been coming to enjoy this unique environment.

"We regret the verderers' decision but look forward to continuing to work with all parties concerned to find the solution that best balances all the interests at hand."

The Forest's ten verderers, whose monthly court is held in public, have the power to block certain types of development.