THE centuries-old tradition of the English village fete could be under threat in the two counties, according to a rural business organisation.

Village fetes and other rural activities are being threatened by proposed new planning regulations, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

The CLA claims the Government's proposed planning regulations could mean organisers of fetes, country fairs, clay pigeon shoots, bring-and-buy sales and many other rural events would have to apply for planning permission in order to hold the events.

"At present, land can be used on a strictly temporary basis for many events without planning permission for up to 14 or 28 days a year, depending on the type of event," said Frances Beatty, regional director for the CLA in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"However, the Government is now proposing a change to the regulations that would require any such temporary uses to have full planning permission."

In a response to a Government consultation, the CLA pointed out there was no evidence to suggest any change in the law was necessary or desirable, and warned the proposed regulations could, instead, damage rural businesses and communities.

Only 30 out of 388 local authorities surveyed identified temporary use as a problem, which, said the CLA, supported the argument that there was no need for new regulations because existing controls were sufficient to take account of any isolated problems.

"Events like village fetes and clay pigeon shoots are some of the mainstays of life in the countryside," said Mrs Beatty.

"It is madness to suggest planning permission should be required to hold a country fair or fete that might typically last for just one day a year.

"We all know that, if such temporary uses are brought under planning control, there will be extra costs for application fees, delays in appeals and, ultimately, possible refusal of consent for some events.

"The Government should resist the temptation to interfere."