A bid to install 18 hectares of polytunnels at Hernhill Nurseries has been rejected by planners.

Villagers, including boxer Barry McGuigan, mounted a campaign against the tunnels, arguing they would ruin the look of the area and could lead to flooding.

The company says it is disappointed by the decision.

Jason Davies-Baker, the site director for Hernhill Nurseries, said: "We felt we put forward a considerate and sustainable planning application that would have brought some great benefits to the local economy.

"However, we respect the council’s decision and we will now go back and assess our options about how best to ensure the long term prosperity of the business.

"An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate would have to be lodged if we want to expand."

Mr McGuigan said: "There was no good reason to allow the application and 100 reasons to throw it out."