CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to stage medieval jousting tournaments in Hampshire are galloping into battle for the second time.

A new application to stage indoor contests at a former riding school off Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst, in the New Forest has drawn more than 80 objections. A previous proposal was rejected last July after a six-hour meeting of the district council’s licensing sub-committee.

Objectors warned that plans to hold tournaments in an open-sided barn at the end of a narrow track would cause traffic chaos and too much noise.

Now New Forest entrepreneur Alan Girling has submitted another proposal to stage jousting, plus other events such as plays, indoor sporting events and live music.

Traffic The objections are contained in a 177-page report due to be discussed by councillors next month. Protesters include the New Forest National Park Authority, which says Mr Girling’s application will harm the character and appearance of the area.

Brockenhurst Parish Council claims the “excessive” amount of traffic likely to be generated by jousting and other activities will cause a major bottleneck, preventing ambulances and fire engines from reaching the site in an emergency.

Councillor Maureen Holding, who represents Brockenhurst on the district council, has also lodged an objection.

Her letter says: “I cannot see any justification for another, more intensive application when a lesser application was turned down just over five months ago.

“Noise would be a real problem, especially as the building is considered to be acoustically leaky. At least 500 people are expected and crowd noise cannot be controlled.”

However, Mr Girling defends the application in licensing documents submitted to the council. He says event organisers will monitor the amount of noise coming from the building as well as ensuring there is sufficient parking for spectators.

The documents are accompanied by a traffic management plan, which states that 126 parking places will be provided.

“Prior to performances or shows, one or more attendants will be on hand to assist in the directing of traffic,” says the plan.