Worm's Head at Rhossili is one of Gower's most familiar attractions

They claim that local planning laws on caravans and camping are out of date and damaging the tourism industry.

Swansea Council has reacted by setting up a group to look at planning policies in the peninsula, which is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The council said it was committed to "sustainable tourism".

It is critical that (the) council has planning policies in place that control development (such as caravan and camp sites) to meet these objectives Swansea Council on its support for sustainable tourism

Farmers and landowners claimed planning rules on caravanning and camping were "petty" and were "strangling" tourism in Gower.

They said they wanted to "enhance and preserve" Gower with more investment in their sites, which they claimed would have a "long-lasting beneficial effect" on the area.

Farmer Tom Beynon said the current rules were detrimental, frustrating and "hampering diversification".

'Protection and preservation'

Farmers have said they would take their fight to the Welsh assembly, and have asked for a meeting with Environment Planning and Countryside Minister Carwyn Jones.

Culver Hole smugglers' cave at Port Eynon

Meanwhile, the council said its new management plan for Gower recognised the significance of tourism and caravan and camp sites.

It would "preserve Gower's unique attraction, while promoting sustainable development".

John Hague, Swansea's cabinet member for the environment, said: "It will help us and all our partners to manage and care for this beautiful area, in a co-ordinated and sustainable way."

The council said it had set up its task group examining the peninsula's planning policies in response to the concerns of tourist operators.

It hopes that Gower will obtain the European charter for sustainable tourism, which ensures the protection and preservation of the area, while also contributing to economic development and the well-being of people living, working or holidaying locally.

The authority added: "Therefore, it is critical that (the) council has planning policies in place that control development (such as caravan and camp sites) to meet these objectives."

One planning rule, which dates back to 1979, states that landowners must apply for permission to use a field for caravans or tents.