Environmental groups have reacted angrily to a decision by transport secretary Stephen Byers to allow a white horse landmark to be carved into a site of conservational interest.

The White Horse Millennium Landmark will now be cut into the chalk at Cheriton hill in Folkstone. Friends of the Earth have argued that the decision sets a precedent, allowing major planning projects to be approved for such sites.

Forum Response: English Nature

Dr Andy Clements, director of operations at English Nature, told ePolitix.com: "The Inspector has concluded that there will be an immediate adverse effect on this European site, because the carving of the White Horse will result in habitat loss.

"English Nature is disappointed that the project has nevertheless been approved, because in the Inspector's view the short term habitat loss will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of this important European site."