A CAMPSITE near a Hampshire village has been ordered not to manage the trees on its own premises.

At Test Valley Borough Council’s Southern Planning Committee on October 15, representatives of Meadow Tree Farm, a pop-up campsite and working farm, took the stand to protest.

The council had proposed to impose a tree protection order (TPO) on the site, near Sherfield English, citing “a threat to the woodland from recent works that resulted in a large area of trees being felled and the area excavated in order to create a lake".

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Meadow Tree Farm is located near Sherfield English (Image: Google) Speaking on behalf of owner Steven Green, farm manager Kylie Denis protested to councillors that the lake had not been created, but reclaimed.

Ms Denis said: "We have no intent to damage or destroy the woodland areas. Imposing a TPO at this time would obstruct the much-needed management of the area.”

What is more, she argued the TPO would be a threat to the vegetation on the site.

She added: “We suggest that at this time a TPO would be a detriment to the overall health and management of the woodland. It would be unbelievably impractical.”

In spite of some understanding of Ms Denis and Mr Green’s plight, councillors voted unanimously in favour of the TPO, aside from one, who decided to abstain.

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One of the issues raised with the campsite was the lighting of fires, which the council said is harmful to the “long-term health” of the woodland and the soil on the site.

Ms Denis objected to this, saying there are measures on the farm to prevent damage to the area, such as metal fire pits.

Speaking outside the meeting, Mr Green and Ms Denis told the Advertiser they intend to continue their battle to have some level of control over the woodland on Meadow Tree Farm.