FEARS have been raised over ‘creeping commercialism’ at Burrator Reservoir after South West Lakes Trust revealed plans to fence off areas for anglers and a dog walking area while possibly creating an ‘events area’ in 2017.

The trust has announced plans to fence off the bank of the Longstone peninsula to create an area exclusively for anglers, while creating a dog walking area on a parcel of land near Norsworthy Bridge.

Burrator parish councillors discussed their concerns over the plans at their meeting last Thursday. The majority expressed concerns that any development to change access to certain areas around the reservoir would upset the public and lead to further commercialisation at the site, and whether dogs would be banned from other parts of the lake.

These fears were heightened when councillors discussed the trust’s plans for 2017 to develop an events area at the head weir of the reservoir and develop ideas for a nature reserve area with a focus on family togetherness and public engagement with wildlife and biodiversity.

Cllr Keith Scrivener said: ‘Any attempt to carve up access to Burrator Reservoir in favour of one particular user group over another does not seem fair and equitable to me. Surely the whole beauty of the lake and its shores should be there for everyone to enjoy. The Longstone peninsula, where the angling-only area is to be proposed behind fences, will deny families access to one of the safest and most beautiful parts of the waterside.’

Cllr Corinna Legassick said: ‘The fence around the edge of Longstone is really important for people to know about, because for it to be open to fishermen but closed to the general public will be very sad indeed.’

Cllr Steve Hopson disagreed with the thinking behind the dog exercise area. ‘A dog exercise area makes no sense. Dog walkers go up to Burrator to walk around the lake, not to go to a fenced off area to walk their dog.’

Cllr Graham Palmer shared concerns that these plans would be the first step in plans to try and turn the reservoir into a tourist attraction: ‘It will ruin the whole ambience of Burrator, and it will end up a tacky tourist area if all these plans go ahead.’

No permissions are needed for the creation of either the dog walking area or the fencing of Longstone peninsula. The only new infrastructure will be the fencing at Longstone for which planning permission is not needed. The council decided to ask a senior representative from the South West Lakes Trust to attend its next meeting to listen to its concerns.

In a press release issued to the Times, South West Lakes Trust said: ‘Burrator receives in the region of 300,000 visitors per year and balancing the needs of multiple user groups is one of the key areas that the trust is keen to work on — alongside traffic congestion and the protection of our wonderful flora and fauna.

After consultation with key partners and stakeholders, the trust has developed a long term, sustainable plan to tackle some of the current issues.

‘Creating a dog exercise area on the north shore of the reservoir will enable dog owners to exercise their dog off the lead whilst enjoying a lakeside walk. The area has recently been fenced to protect thousands of newly planted trees and this has presented an opportunity to enhance the Burrator experience for dog walkers, who can let their dog off the lead without fear of encountering stock or getting into Plymouth’s drinking water supply for a paddle.

‘The area will be clearly signed and enhanced with some informal timber dog agility obstacles. This area will still be open to the public without a dog but it will be made clear that dogs may be present. There is no intention to ban dogs from other parts of the site but they will need to be kept on a lead.

‘The bank of Longstone peninsula will become a fishing only area. This will provide a haven for anglers to enjoy their sport. It will also allow South West Lakes Trust to introduce the sport of fly fishing to the younger generation in a safe, secure environment.

‘Public access will be maintained to the popular interior of Longstone peninsula and the public will still be able to admire the ruins of Longstone Manor, a scheduled ancient monument, which has recently been improved through the Burrator Natural and Historic Environment Project.

‘In addition, it is the trust’s intention to enhance the area with a few picnic benches for all to use. The fishing only area will total 1.5 hectares within this 2,500 hectare site so there is still plenty of this wonderful landscape for the general public to enjoy. No Public Rights of Way will be affected.’

What are your thoughts on South West Lakes Trust’s plans? E-mail your thoughts to [email protected]