A conservation group has been struck a blow after losing an appeal for chalk mounds to remain on historic Telscombe Tye.

The South Downs Joint Committee (SDJC) has been ordered to remove thousands of tonnes of chalk and waste which was dumped on the site.

It has also been ordered to take down an electric fence.

The conservation board could be left with a big clean-up bill after East Sussex County Council decided not to allow the mounds to remain.

The chalk mounds, or "bunds" were supposed to keep travellers and fly-tippers out of a protected field.

But the chalk, which was dumped by contractors with the permission of the SDJC, was contaminated with building waste, including concrete, window frames, plastic pipes and asbestos.

When residents complained, it was discovered that planning permission was needed for the structures.

The SDJC, which manages the Tye on behalf of landowners Telscombe Town Council, was wrongly told that planning permission was not needed.

It applied for retrospective permission but was refused.

The conservation board hoped to strike a deal to remove the contamination but leave the chalk behind but the county council has turned down the idea.

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: "The committee refused planning permission and resolved to take enforcement action to secure the removal of the deposited waste materials. Subsequently the SDJC have sought to explore the likely acceptability of smaller bunds and sent the county council details.

"Officers have given detailed consideration to these proposals and have concluded that the landscape impact to this area of open Downland and the recreation impacts of modified bunds would still be unacceptable."

The council has ordered the removal of all the chalk and waste.

The spokesman said: "The SDJC have been asked to confirm a timescale for its removal.

"The waste has been brought to the site without the benefit of planning permission and the appropriateness of its retention given thorough consideration."

Residents in Telscombe are pleased with the council's decision Alan Baker, of Telscombe, said: "It has been chaotic up here. It has been a mess from start to finish."

There are increasing calls for the Friends of Telscombe Tye to take over its management.