Gauntlet thrown down as New Forest jousting plans emerge again

A businessman has launched a fresh attempt to stage medieval jousting in the New Forest – just months after his previous plan was thrown out.

Entrepreneur Alan Girling has submitted another application for a licence to hold indoor tournaments at Black Knoll Barn in Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst.

His original application was rejected at a marathon six-hour meeting by council licensing chiefs in July.

The decision followed protests by the National Park Authority (NPA) and people living near the barn,which is at the end of a narrow track. They claimed cars queuing at the entrance to the site would cause traffic chaos in Rhinefield Road, which was used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Potential noise was also an issue.

The application resulted in a public meeting attended by more than 100 people.

Now campaigners are going into battle again following Mr Girling’s second attempt to obtain a licence for the barn, known as the New Forest Activity Centre.

Councillor Maureen Holding, who represents the village on the district council, said: “The people of Brockenhurst are being totally ignored.

They want to preserve the quiet enjoyment of the New Forest and are very angry at the new application, which is for music and dancing as well as jousting.”

However, Mr Girling, of Boldre, was defiant. He said: “The (new) application addresses the reasons for refusal in the previous application so it should now be approved.”

The accompanying paperwork says strict attention will be paid to the amount of noise coming from the building and steps taken to prevent disturbance to neighbours.