AFC Bournemouth former boss in quarry protest

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Norman Hayward, who has lived in Creech Grange House in Purbeck for 25 years, was at the club in the 1990's.

Imerys Minerals Ltd want to extract 705,000 tonnes of ball clay from a site which encroaches onto the home's grounds.

Campaigners picketed a public meeting in Dorchester on Tuesday where minerals chiefs met to discuss the plans.

Mr Hayward said: "I can't believe these applications have gone in. After being here for 25 years you are part of the heritage and feel like you have to look after the place. It is a democratic process and that is why the people have turned out today. If they want to dig up one of the most beautiful places it is down to them."

The grade I listed Creech Grange House also includes grade II* listed parkland - only 7% of buildings or landscapes in England are considered of enough historical significance to warrant grade II* or grade I listing.

English Heritage is checking the proposed quarry does not impinge on the grade II* listed park. A spokesman said: "We have been investigating the existing boundary to the grade II* registered landscape to see whether it fully captures all the area of historic significance. We are continuing to work with the council and other parties to agree on the most suitable sites."