Planners last night threw out proposals to build a warden's log cabin on a golf course to keep vandals away.

Michael Hunt, millionaire founder of Singing Hills Golf Club in Albourne, wanted a permanent security presence on the site after a string of incidents where equipment was stolen and the three nine-hole courses were damaged.

But councillors at Mid Sussex District Council voted against the application because it was not in keeping with planning policies and would mean felling four or five trees.

Mr Hunt, 68, who fulfilled a lifelong dream when he built the course in 1989, said: "It is regrettable they turned it down. It was a shame.

"They did not even discuss it much. I have not yet decided if we will appeal but we probably will."

Mr Hunt said a submitted picture of a log cabin design looked very grand but the design he was proposing was a small, unobtrusive hut.

He said: "I think they thought it was where I wanted to live myself but it is in fact going to be a small wooden shack for just one warden."

Mr Hunt said the site needed security as it was increasingly targeted by vandals and thieves.

He felt it was especially important after travellers came on to his turf nursery, causing damage which led to him having to close one of the golf courses for several days while it was repaired.