North Somerset Council says the parking is ruining the landscape

In 2003, North Somerset Council refused retrospective permission for the land to be used for parking.

The operators were served with notices requiring them to shut the facilities.

Two public inquiries were held, and a government planning inspector then dismissed the appeals which were lodged by the operators.

Bridget Campbell, of the government inspectorate, said in two cases up to 350 cars parking on land was causing "a serious loss of openness".

She said the numbers of cars at Freeman's Farm and The Oakes made the countryside area feel urban.

Both were ordered to cease operations by the end of 2004.

The owners of six other sites were given until 20 January 2005 to cease the parking practice.

Councillor Peter Burden said: "The council is committed to protecting the green belt from further damage by mass off-airport parking."