CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform the New Forest into a national park were given the go-ahead today.

A 220 square-mile area of outstanding scenery, including 50 miles of coastline,was made the first new national park for 50 years.

Supporters said national park status would protect rare habitats for animals, birds and plants from intensive farming and building.

But opponents claim it will encourage too many tourists to use the New Forest's overcrowded roads and towns.

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett made the contentious decision after receiving recommendations from the Countryside Commission.

In a written ministerial statement, she said the New Forest "met the criteria and purposes of a national park".

Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, pledged to try to make the national park work but claimed it was "a mistake".

Mr Swayne said: "I'm clearly disappointed but we must now make it work.

"I will be working very hard with everyone else involved to make a success of it. My concern is there will be an influx of demand for leisure activities because of the national park status and the new authority will realise that tourism is the money-maker rather than forestry.

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis said: "This result was absolutely predictable because the government had always said that it wanted a national park for the New Forest and the inquiry was to find out if the New Forest had the qualities fit to become a national park and not whether a national park would be the best way forward for the New Forest."

Peter Frost, amenities verderer on the New Forest Court of Verderers, said: "I am absolutely delighted that this has been approved. I've personally been working for this for the last 14 years. It's very exciting.

"This marks one of the most historic moments in the history of the New Forest."

Richard Wakeford, chief executive of the Countryside Agency, said: "We are delighted that the Secretary of State has confirmed our designation of the New Forest as a national park."

Maureen Robinson, leader of the New Forest Liberal Democrat party, said: "It's very good to have a decision at long last. I've always supported the idea of a national park for the New Forest although I have my reservations as to the arrangements of the governance but I welcome the decision."

Pete Sopowski, vice chairman of the New Forest Labour Party, said: "The New Forest is now a national park because the wishes of the many have not been thwarted by the few. A crucially important decision and a date to remember in the history of the New Forest. This decision will benefit the New Forest and the nation."

For more on this story go to Forest & Waterside under the More News section of 'This is Southampton'.