A Hampshire theme park has been accused of operating at least two of its most popular rides without planning permission.

Paulton's Park at Ower is holding talks with the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA), about six rides that have been installed in the past four years.

The NPA has told the attraction to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to "regularise" the planning situation.

Paulton's has told the authority that four of the rides are on land that is covered by permitted development rights.

However, it has agreed to apply for permission to retain the other two - Cobra and Edge - which are on a different part of the site.

It is also seeking consent to change the designation of the Cobra and Edge area from "country park" to "amusement park".

Paulton's says the application amounts to a "relatively minor expansion" of what it describes as a large established amusement park.

The proposal has upset some of the people living nearby, but a Paulton's spokesman said it would not result in any increase in traffic or visitor numbers.

Paulton's, which opened in 1983, attracts about 500,000 people a year.

An NPA spokesman confirmed that the applications had been received and would be determined in due course.

She said she was unable to make any further comment because the officer dealing with the proposals was away.