A 100-YEAR-old Scout hall in the centre of Ringwood cannot be used for educational purposes because the sound of children enjoying themselves has upset neighbours.

However, the Rev Peter McKenzie of Avon River Church, which has been running the study centre, denied the children made too much noise.

He said: "The children were always under parental control. They always went in there and worked."

New Forest District Council ruled that the Scout hut in Strides Lane could no longer be used as self-study units for 12 children not in state schooling.

1st Ringwood Scouts had disbanded two years ago because of a lack of leaders and the building was only being used for occasional New Forest West District Scout meetings.

Avon River Church realised that children studying at home were missing out on social skills learned by mixing with other children, refurbished the hall and organised a pilot scheme for the study units to fill the gap from March last year.

But noise from the self-study children interacting during playtimes led to complaints to the district council's environmental health officers.

The council then followed up by asking for 1st Ringwood to apply for planning permission for the change of use.

A petition bearing the names of 38 people objecting to the school use was sent to the council.

In addition, there were seven letters of objection complaining about noise and disturbance, extra traffic, poor access and lack of adequate parking.

They also said the site was not appropriate for a school and was contrary to policy.

The council turned down the application on the grounds that the educational use "would give rise to a level of activity and noise disturbance which would unacceptably detract from the amenities and quiet tranquility currently enjoyed by the occupiers of neighbouring dwellings" and would therefore fly in the face of policies in the local plan.

Mr McKenzie believes one neighbour complained about noise after members of his congregation carried out renovations there at weekends.

He is now searching for new premises which can be rented and used solely for a study centre.

"The kids will have to stay in their different homes until we can find a replacement," he said.

Anyone who knows of a suitable venue which could be used as a children's study centre is urged to contact the Rev Peter McKenzie on 01425 478797.