THE future of major events at a Hampshire beauty spot could be in jeopardy after a planning authority clampdown.

Just weeks before tens of thousands of festival goers descend on BoomTown Fair at Matterley Estate, near Winchester, the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) has refused a lawful development certificate for non-agricultural events there for more than 28 days a year.

And now the authority has said the landowner, Peveril Bruce, could face legal action if the rule is breached.

Joanna Glyde, senior media officer for SDNPA, said: “Should the event [BoomTown] take place and, together with other events go over the 28-day period, then we will look to Winchester [City Council] to carry out enforcement investigations as they would with any other reported breach.”

When asked if the estate has already breached planning rules, she said: “Since we are in discussion about how to regularise the situation it would be premature to use draconian enforcement at this time.

“Following the refusal of the certificate of lawfulness we hope to work with the estate to resolve this.”

When the Echo asked if future events are in jeopardy, she said: “They have the option to submit a planning application or rearrange their events to stay within the 28 days. We’re open to discussion on both of these options.”

Documents from the application show that in 2013 leisure events took up 125 days, with 42 of those used to set up BoomTown and a further four for the festival itself.

Thirty-three days were used for a tank driving event and 46 for assault course Tough Mudder.

Daily Echo: Tough Mudder race 

From 2001-2013 the estate has used more than 28 days a year for leisure activities.

Landowner Peveril Bruce said: “I’m surprised because it is really a question of fact so we don’t really understand. We won’t let it rest, we will continue to try and get the permission we need because we are proud of what we do here at Matterley. Of course any everyone is worried about enforcement action but I would hope that before then matters could be sorted.”

Matterley Estate has already hosted a motocross event this year, with BoomTown due to be held on August 13-16 and Tough Mudder on September 26-27.

Last year the festival was given permission to increase its capacity from 30,000 to 50,000.

A spokeswoman said this year’s festival will not be affected - which has angered an unofficial residents’ group.

Mike Beer, 67, retired, of A272 Cheriton, is a member and said: “The critical thing is it seems impossible for BoomTown 2015 to go ahead without the planning laws being broken.”

He also thinks Mr Bruce should make a public apology, but the landowner said he does everything possible to alleviate problems.

Mr Bruce added: “We are conducting an economic review at the request of Winchester City Council to prove that these events are beneficial to the local area.”

Four years ago the estate hosted a pop concert for boyband JLS which caused traffic chaos and saw hundreds of fans demand their money back.

Nobody from Tough Mudder was available for comment.