IT IS the gruelling assault course that has become a fixture on the Winchester calendar.

Tough Mudder puts thousands of people through a series of challenges including electric shocks and waist-high filthy water.

But organisers behind the event have pulled out of its Hampshire leg after landowners ran into obstacles of their own – in the shape of red tape.

They have snubbed the county this year and may not return amid uncertainty over the venue’s future.

Matterley Estate, near Winchester, is battling to hold on to the popular event, as well as BoomTown music festival, which could also be under threat.

Landowner Peveril Bruce has applied for planning permission because of a limit on how long the land can be used for events.

At issue is whether preparing and dismantling the site, which takes several weeks, counts towards a 28-day cap.

Tough Mudder hopes to return once the dispute is resolved, but Mr Bruce could bring in another firm to run a similar event.

Mr Bruce said: “I’m sure they would come back if what they perceive to be uncertainty was not in place because they can see what a fantastic location it is.

“It brings in a great deal of benefit to the area. I’m proud of what we achieve here and I would like to cooperate with the authorities.”

Tough Mudder, which sees teams crawl, jump and climb through an obstacle course designed by British Special Forces, has moved to Faygate, West Sussex for 2016. It will take place on September 24 and 25.

A spokesman said: “With the local planning uncertainty unlikely to be resolved before 2016 and after three great years at the Matterley Estate, we decided to offer a new and exciting venue and course experience for our customers this year. We hope to make a return in the future.”

The planning application is due to be determined by South Downs National Park Authority in April.