OPPOSITION is growing against Government planning proposals which campaigners claim could threaten the existence of country fairs.

The National Farmers' Union and the Country Land and Business Association have joined the chorus of complaint, claiming the changes would hit the traditional way of life.

Under changes suggested in a consultation paper issued by the Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions, organisers of agricultural shows, car boot sales, summer village fetes and local gymkhanas would be forced to apply for planning permission for their events.

The CLA has responded by saying that a change would be exceptionally damaging to businesses and communities in rural areas.

North Yorkshire regional director Dorothy Fairburn said that at the moment land could be used on a strictly temporary basis for fetes, clay shooting and other rural events under the '28-day rule' but under the proposed changes temporary use would require full planning permission.

Miss Fairburn said: "Existing temporary use rights underpin many community events and are an asset to farmers and rural businesses because they help to generate income.

"The removal of these rights will affect numerous temporary uses of land including traditional village fetes, markets, shoots and shows.

"If such temporary uses were brought under planning control, there will be extra costs of application fees, delays in appeals, and ultimately possible refusal of consent. The rural areas thrive on voluntary participation. Any extra planning hurdles could easily break the resolve of the organisers of these events, further undermining rural community spirit."

She said that the research report on which the Government based its proposals did not provide evidence of a real problem.

"Only 98 out of 388 local authorities responded to the Government's research and of those only 30 identified temporary use as a problem. There is absolutely no need for new regulations."

NFU planning chairman John Seymour of Stokesley said the current arrangements struck an appropriate balance.

He said: "We are extremely concerned that community events, held on high days and holidays, will be abandoned if this planing obstacle is put in their way."