Ex-club chairman in quarry demo

Mr Hayward has lived at Creech Grange House for nearly 25 years

A former chairman of AFC Bournemouth has joined other demonstrators to protest at plans to turn the garden of his stately home into a quarry.

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

Imerys Minerals Ltd want to dig 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."

Jurassic coast

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."

Mineral chiefs started a meeting at 1000 GMT to discuss 36 potential quarry sites along the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, including the one in Mr Hayward's backyard.