AMBITIOUS proposals to hold exclusive high-goal polo matches on a Haslemere estate were given short shrift by Waverley planners last week.

Adrian Kirby, the multi-millionaire owner of Barfold Farm, and his Cortium team won the coveted Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup at Cowdray Park, last month.

But his string of applications seeking consent to stable up to 80 polo ponies on site during the season, open a clubhouse and hold up to 20 competitive matches on the polo ground already created there, have been strongly opposed by neighbouring residents and Haslemere Town Council.

Objectors packed into the public gallery last Wednesday evening when members of Waverley's southern planning committee met to determine the five applications submitted to expand the polo activities on site.

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.