PLANNING bosses are giving the thumbs up to a controversial scheme which has fallen foul of protesters.

Officers at New Forest District Council have given their backing to plans for an 11-acre horticultural greenhouse at the former Efford Experimental Site.

Protesters turned out in force in a bid to stop the development over concerns it would ruin a wildlife-rich patch of greenbelt land.

But they may still be victorious in their campaign if councillors back further recommendations from the planning department over a second application linked to the Efford site.

Planners are saying applicant Derf Paton, who wishes to expand his Pinetops Nursery on to the Milford Road site, should not be allowed to build 80 houses on his current business premises.

Mr Paton had hoped to fund his expansion with the proceeds of a housing devel-opment planned for the land where Pinetops currently stands on nearby Ramley Road.

Officers are saying Mr Paton should not be allowed to develop the greenbelt site for housing.

Mr Paton said: "Pinetops is not greenbelt it real terms. It was 50 years ago and the planners have to report that but the land around it has been built up on three sides since."

He said his plans perfectly matched the council's mission statement to promote business plans which take advantage of the area's unique properties.

He said: "The council should honour their mission statement or tear it up."

Turning to concerns about a perceived threat to wildlife at the new site, he said: "The glasshouses at Efford would become a bird sanctuary."