COUNTRYSIDE campaigners say they are disappointed by a decision allowing the Ministry of Defence to replace one of its range control huts on the western edge of Dartmoor. The application to replace the existing hut at Baggator, on the Merrivale ranges, was considered by Dartmoor National Park Authority?s planning committee at the end of last month. The committee heard the existing hut, used to control military activity on the western side of the range and providing office and welfare facilities for two range wardens, had come to the end of its economic life. The MOD wished to replace it with a larger, timber hut with sufficient space to accommodate an all-terrain vehicle. The committee was told under DNPA planning policy, objections should be raised against new military buildings or structures, or new, renewed or intensified uses of land, where such proposals would damage the wildlife, natural beauty, cultural heritage or quiet enjoyment of the park. Planning officer Jo Burgess told the committee: ?It is considered the use of the building will not be intensified and there will be no damage to cultural heritage or quiet enjoyment of the park. ?Athough the building is adjacent to a public right of way, during firing it cannot be used beyond the hut and access to the open moor is prohibited.? The committee was told the visual impact of the enlarged hut was acceptable as it would be set back from the track. Members were also told planning permission for the hut to remain would be reviewed in 2012, when the MOD?s current licence for use of the moor was due to finish. But Jonathan Cardale, chief executive of Dartmoor Preservation Association which is campaigning for a complete withdrawal of military activity on the moor, said the DPA objected to the application on a point of principle. He said it was contrary to planning policy and that granting consent was ?jumping the gun? in view of the fact the military lease was due to be renewed in 2012. And Kate Ashbrook of the Open Spaces Society said the organisation was ?very disappointed? by the decision and said the military should have made do with the existing hut. She said: ?Over the years, we have had the military applying to change things on Dartmoor ? each item on its own is small, but it gives a message to the military that it is tolerated.?
