Former Beatle Paul McCartney has been told to pull down a log cabin at his country estate.

The rock star was refused retrospective permission for the timber lodge in the grounds of Woodlands Farm in Brede Lane, Peasmarsh, near Rye.

Representatives for Sir Paul said he needed the two-bedroom lodge to maintain his privacy but Rother District Council's planning committee threw out the bid.

Macca must now remove the one-and-a-half-storey lodge and return the land to its original state. However, he is expected to appeal against the decision.

A supporting statement to the council on behalf of the ex-Beatle, who also has a home in Hove, said: "The owner has a requirement for privacy, seclusion and security that the buildings at Woodlands Farm cannot provide.

"This is due to the proximity of the public footpath that passes by the farmhouse and also the activities connected with the working farm and machinery movements, creating noise disturbance and safety issues.

"The lodge provides quiet, secluded and secure accommodation and is used only in lieu of the farmhouse, which will always be vacant when the lodge is occupied. The intention is not to increase the amount of residential property."

But in refusing the application, the committee found: "No compelling justification for such a location has been demonstrated.

"The proposal harms the intrinsic landscape quality and character of the High Weald."