SHOCKED restaurateur Michael Campbell has lost his fight to serve teas in the garden of his picturesque village centre premises.
Mr Campbell took over thatched Burley Manor Farm Brasserie and Tea Rooms three years ago.
But he sparked a row when he started serving customers in part of the back garden, which angry neighbours claim had never been used for garden teas before.
New Forest District Council refused Mr Campbell a lawful development order in 2003 and issued an enforcement notice in January, ordering him to cease serving teas in that part of the garden.
The restaurateur appealed against the notice to the government's Planning Inspectorate, arguing that there was a precedent, and against the refusal of a fresh lawful development certificate.
But to his amazement both applications were quashed.
"I'm bitterly disappointed, but at the end of the day the biggest losers are going to be the customers," he said.
Mr Campbell said he was still reeling from the shock and would have to consider his options carefully.
First published: September 16
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