PROPOSED changes to planning legislation could have "disastrous consequences" for tourism, it is feared.

Local authorities' duty to consider the needs for tourism within development plans and controls could be cut or removed, warn operators.

Sandy Balls Holiday Centre, near Fordingbridge, has lobbied New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne over possible amendments to Planning Policy Guidance 21 (PPG21).

Managing director Andrew Howe said: "This is a critical issue for us.

"The inherent danger of the proposed changes to PPG21 is that its amendment or deletion will see the incumbent duty on planning authorities to consider the needs for tourism within development plans and controls eroded or removed entirely."

Sandy Balls turns over approximately £5.5m each year and sustains between 170 and 300 jobs, depending on the season.

The award-winning centre is one of only six parks nationally to have won seven consecutive David Bellamy Conservation Gold Awards.

Mr Howe said of PPG21: "As a responsible business we are simply seeking to ensure that controlled, sensible and sympathetic developments are allowed to continue."

Ironically the threat to PPG21 comes at a time when the tourism industry is finally beginning to attract a higher profile at central government level.

"The foot-and-mouth crisis heralded a new era for the tourism industry in this country and it finally achieved the social, governmental and media attention it deserves," said Mr Howe.