The chief executive of the Broads Authority has tried to allay concerns over the proposed rebranding of the region's waterways.

The Broads could soon be called a national park as authority members agreed to an open-ended public consultation at a meeting in Norwich yesterday.

It is hoped the name 'Broads National Park' will boost tourism and elevate the profile of the area on to an international stage.

The announcement, which was made last week, has been met with some worry and mistrust in some parts of the navigation community over the perceived emphasis on conservation.

But in his report to members of the Broads Authority, chief executive John Packham said marketing the area as a national park made 'pragmatic common sense'.

Attempting to reassure those unsure about the change, he said: 'It doesn't upset the apple cart – there's no negative impact that I can see.'

But the fear is that the traditional trilogy – enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Broads; promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the Broads; and protecting the interests of navigation – may be upset by the change.

But the document reads: 'In the Broads equal weight is given to all its three purposes and this will remain the case.'

And Mr Packham added: 'One of the particular points to emphasise is that the paper [the report] is not suggesting any legal changes to the role of and purpose of the Broads Authority.

'It's not proposing the Broads Authority becomes the National Park Authority – there's no changes to our role or purpose.'

However, worries have been raised over the legalities of changing the authority's name – in short, some fear it may be trading on something it is not.

But Dr Packham said solicitors made reassurances that it was possible to use the term the Broads National Park when promoting the area.

What do you think about the Broads rebranding? Email reporter Rosa McMahon at rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772453.