CLOUDS of controversy are building up in one of the most peaceful corners of West Devon, following suggestions the area could be in line for development. Weir Quay is a highly sensitive, protected area on the Bere Peninsula ? but a report prepared for the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Service suggests changes. The service has commissioned a document in order to form a plan for the management of Weir Quay. It seeks to address concerns and aspirations for the area which have been voiced to the AONB. These include conservation of its heritage and environmental features, car park management and use of the slipway, balanced with the character of the area and needs of local people and commercial, voluntary and public activities at the quay. The report comes up with three options: l to do nothing l to limit parking, increase flood defences and allow limited access to heritage features and some land above Weir Quay l to develop facilities to support a floating classroom, new ramp access, a new slipway and increased, managed parking, including a charging system. But the Friends of Weir Quay, an 80-strong group of residents, landowners and interested people from the area, has slammed the report. A spokesman for the friends said: ?Without arguing each proposal, since they are almost all contrary to the local plan policies, it is important that the obvious outcome of the proposals would lead to increased visitor numbers, more traffic and the ruination of what is an unspoilt area.? Bere Ferrers Parish Council is concerned the AONB drew up the report without any prior consultation ? it is unanimously opposed to the proposals. Cllr Bev Slaughter, chairman of the parish council, said his members could not see any reason why any changes needed to take place at Weir Quay and were sceptical about the consultants? report. He said: ?We are against any major developments at Weir Quay as we believe that many of the reasons given for development have not been proven. ?Any such developments would economically benefit a few individuals, to the detriment of the area and the residents.? But Cllr Alan Hosking,vice chairman of Tamar Valley AONB Service and chair of its Weir Quay management steering group, said: ?We had a number of issues raised to us by residents of Weir Quay and people who use its facilities, sufficient for us to think it important to commission a professional survey of the area. ?Throughout this, our intention has been to retain the peace and tranquillity that everybody connected with Weir Quay values. ?We are planning to present various proposals to the community and in the light of reponses to that presentation the working party will come up with some firm recommendations.? Cllr Hosking said he could not predict what the outcome of the consultation would be, but personally, he felt a ?do nothing? option was ?not seriously on the table?. The public consultation is due to be held on December 7 and 8 ? the location has yet to be arranged.
