Campaigners had to be removed from trees and tunnels near Crowhurst.

The camp was the latest stage in a determined local campaign by a group known as the Combe Haven Defenders who have targeted the project since construction earlier this month.

Adrian Hopkins of the Combe Haven Defenders said: “Resistance has been growing to this awful scheme as each day passes and more people become inspired by the action so far taken to protect the beautiful Combe Haven valley.

“This is only the beginning of a sustained campaign of peaceful resistance to this environmentally disastrous white-elephant project.”

Conservative local councillor Peter Jones told the BBC: “These groups represent a serious threat to our democracy.

“There was a major public inquiry in 2009 when all of the arguments they are advancing now were heard. So why don’t they just shove off and leave us to get on with this scheme and deliver major benefits for our communities?”