JOBS are at risk at Paddock Wood's Hop Farm Family Park after planners ordered several of the site's attractions to be removed.

Site owner Peter Bull faced the wrath of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's planning committee after installing a children's driving school and a marquee without permission.

Although several councillors expressed support for the "valued" business and its need to attract customers, all agreed the new features were not in keeping with a heritage site located on rural green belt land.

They voted unanimously to refuse retrospective planning permission and to issue enforcement notices ordering the removal of numerous items from the 400-acre site, including a red big-top tent, a climbing frame and the "giant jumping pillows".

Mr Bull said he was disappointed with the decision, and feared for the jobs of his staff, most of whom are local residents.

But the leisure boss, who confirmed the business had lost £2.5 million during the last two years, said he was also encouraged by sympathetic comments made by councillors.