FEARS that a large public polo ground could open in a farmer's field have been dismissed as "groundless" by the estate owner.

Multi-millionaire businessman Adrian Kirby, who is both patron and player of the top-rated high goal polo team Silver Spring 1870 Cortium, has sparked concern with five separate planning applications relating to the equestrian use of part of Barfold Farm, near the Lythe Hill Hotel.

They are the latest in a string of more than 30 planning applications made either to Chichester District Council, which covers part of the estate, or Waverley Borough Council since the Swiss-based entrepreneur bought the 220-acre farm in an area of outstanding natural beauty from the Furnace Place Estate three years ago.

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