PLANS to create a spring water bottling plant in a rural area of West Devon were given the go ahead by planners last week.

George Chambers has been given permission to use redundant farm buildings at Hall Manor, Kelly, as a water bottling plant — although he claimed restrictions on how much he could produce may jeopardise the viability of the business.

He said the suggestion that a production limit of 3,000 litres a day, in order to restrict vehicle movements to and from the site, would mean it was not worthwhile investing in the venture.

Mr Chambers said: 'We are right beside the A30, there is no problem whatsoever. I've been here 43 years, I've had articulated lorries here with cattle, sheep and feedstuffs. Holland Farmers used to have more than 40 lorries going in and out — to suggest there would be more traffic than that would be ridiculous.

'I'm taking a big risk — to put restrictions on me would mean I can't do my business as best as I can.'

Cllr Dilwyn Hughes, ward member, said it was important to encourage and support diversification on farms, particularly in the light of the foot and mouth crisis.

By giving Mr Chambers planning permission, the borough would be supporting a new business, enabling the upkeep of the Listed farmhouse and possibly employing local people in future, said Mr Hughes.

'I don't think we should put restrictions on the litres — who is going to police it?' he asked.

Planning chief Stephen Gill said the borough was 'very sympathetic' to the application — it was the county highways department which was concerned there would be traffic problems if the business proved very successful.

Mr Chambers could apply for any production restriction to be extended in future, if necessary, said Mr Gill.

The committee granted planning permission, subject to a top production level of 15,000 litres of water a day.

Bottling will only be permitted in the barn, no retail sales shall take place, permitted development rights were removed and Mr Chambers will have to submit detailed drawings of any external alterations to his buildings.