IT is said to be the rock from where the Devil shouted temptations down to the monks of Tintern Abbey – to no avail.

Now plans to build a viewing platform out to the Pulpit rock overlooking one of the most famous views in the Wye Valley have also come to naught after being rejected by planners.

The scheme, put forward by a partnership led by the Forestry Commission, proposed bolting a four metre long platform to Devil's Pulpit rock from Offa's Dyke, giving walkers unrivalled views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye.

The Commission, in partnership with the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, English Heritage and Natural England, argued the aim of the project was to combat "acute" erosion along Offa's Dyke. The Scheduled Ancient Monument would be protected by topping it with a geotextile membrane, fixed with edging stones and lime mortar and filled with chippings.

Of the platform, the Commission argued, it was small, unintrusive and was "not intended to increase visitor numbers but to manage existing users."

Planning officers for the Forest of Dean District Council had recommended approval, but they were overruled by councillors, led by Clllr Gabriella Kirkpartrick who spoke against the project.

Objectors included Henry Hodges, secretary of The Chepstow Society, wrote: "The society is opposed to the erection of such a large and obtrusive structure. The site in question and the folklore attached to it can only suffer from the 'modernist' intrusion which this platform will represent."

Keith Underwood from Tidenham Historical Group wrote that the scheme: "shows total disregard for the very special nature of this incomparible historic site."

He added: "We continue to feel there must be some other more sympathetic remedy both to conserve the Dyke and stabilise the viewing point."

A spokesman for the Forestry Commission expressed "disappointment" at the district council's decision, but said the partnership would meet in the New Year to put forward revised plans because: "something does need to be done to protect the archaeology".