PLANNING experts have given the Strawberry Field planning application the thumbs down, just a week before crunch-time.

In a report to councillors on the development control west committee - the body that sanctions or rejects major planning applications in West Dorset - case officer Gerald Hughes says the proposed sports development is a no-go on a number of counts.

The report - published yesterday with the agenda for next week's make or break meeting at the Woodmead Halls - said the development would detract from the area of outstanding natural beauty.

Mr Hughes said the proposals from Lyme Regis Football Club - to build two football pitches, club house and a flood-lit games area -would mean over-development of the site and could obstruct sewage treatment.

He said: "The associated light and noise would further add to its intrusive impact, detracting from the unspoilt and tranquil character of the valley."

He said the proposals were against the district council's local plan and that the development's location would be a constraint on its accessibility, "inconsistent with its design purposes, particularly with respect to the MUGA (multi-use games area)."

He said the MUGA - the area of the proposed development earmarked for community use - was ill-conceived in design and location.

Mr Hughes's report will be a major consideration for councillors at Thursday's meeting when they will decide on the application from Lyme Regis Football Club to change the Strawberry Field in to a sports ground.

As well as the report they will need to consider representations from other concerned organisations such as the Countryside Agency and the Environment Agency.

The district council has also received 115 letters in support of the plans - including one from MP Oliver Letwin, and 100 letters of objections.

Football club chairman Phillip Evans was confident that Mr Hughes' report was not insurmountable. He said: "Whilst we are disappointed we are not at all surprised as we have known for several months Mr Hughes was likely to recommend refusal."

"Whatever the final decision, the development of Lyme Regis Football Club will continue and our efforts to provide better facilities will remain unabated."

The planning committee meets on Thursday, February 12, at 2.15pm in the Woodmead Halls at Hill Road, Lyme Regis, to decide the issue.