Campaigners against plans for a holiday village at Highland Court in Bridge are celebrating the backing of a 'heavyweight' objector.

Natural England has released a damning response to the proposal, which includes football and rugby facilities, 175 holiday homes and a business hub on farmland in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

The organisation is the government's adviser for the natural environment in England and its views carry considerable influence.

In its formal response to the application by Quinn Estates, Natural England Sussex and Kent team manager Patrick McKernan says: "Given the size and scale of this proposal and the harm it would cause to the Kent Downs AONB, we consider it is a matter of national importance."

And he warns that if the city council approves the development, Natural England will ask the Secretary of State to 'call-in' the application for determination.

He continues: "Natural England is concerned that the size and scale of the proposals would introduce a major adverse impact on the special qualities of the Kent Downs AONB.

"In our view, a proposal of this scale represents major development in an AONB, with regard to the tests set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

"We further consider it would result in the direct loss of part of a nationally importance designated landscape, which cannot be mitigated to reduce the adverse impact to an acceptable level."

The robust objection by such an important body has been welcomed by members of the Barham Downs Action Group, which is leading the campaign against the scheme.

Founder David Howe said: "We are very happy to get the backing of Natural England, and other consultees have put in holding objections which too carry significant weight.

"But we are not getting over-confident because it is never over until the fat lady sings, as they say."

Developer Mark Quinn claims the impact of the development can be adequately mitigated and the scheme would "open up" the area to more use and enjoyment.

“What we propose will also deliver unprecedented benefits to the people of Canterbury, while taking full account of Highland Court Farm’s sensitive location within the Kent Downs AONB, " he said.

“This is a scheme that warrants careful consideration and in our view this is best left with the local council. That said we would not fear our proposals being called in by government.

“In the end, whether it’s done at Whitehall or locally, we believe that we have produced a compelling case for a fantastic scheme that will add not detract from this beautiful corner of the county. It will be up to the local authority or the Secretary of State ultimately to decide on its merits.”

The application is not expected go come before the city council for consideration until at least next summer.