A new access and tracks for the Cowdray Polo Club's grounds at Ambersham were given the go-ahead by Chichester district councillors.
Local objectors expressed fears about increased traffic and road safety problems, and the impact on Ambersham Common.
But the district's northern area development control committee was told the access was intended to be used only as an entrance to
the grounds for horse wagons, and not as an exit point on to the highway.
Members heard the Cowdray Estate hoped the scheme would alleviate traffic difficulties on busy days in Midhurst when polo was taking place at Ambersham.
Committee chairman Cllr Brian Weekes said this was a well-thought-out scheme.
Local traffic problems were caused by idiots in cars who went through at a very fast speed.
"I have never heard of a lorry, milk tanker, horsebox or tractor damaging any of the local bridges, or having an accident in this area," said Cllr Weekes.
West Sussex County Council, the local highway authority, said the access was considered acceptable in principle, and the need for it had been justified.
Cllr John Cherry said he believed the committee should say yes to the proposals, but it needed to keep an open mind and listen to any complaints that could come later.
"An awful lot of very big vehicles will be on an awful lot of very small roads," he told the committee.
"We have to have regard to the people who live around there.
"It is excellent that this cuts out the village of Ambersham, but it should be kept under review."
A report by planning officers said the main issues would be the impact on the surrounding area, and in particular the AONB, and on highway safety.
"The applicants have made it clear alternative positions for the access have been explored," it added.
"The current location is considered acceptable on the grounds that it will only be used as an entrance, that there will be minimal works to the exsting bank, and that the amount of new track required is also minimal, thereby reducing the impact on the AONB."
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