PERMISSION has been granted for altering access to Dartmoor National Park's visitor centre — despite opposition from the authority's own historic buildings officer.

The officer said he had concerns over the provision of new steps and a disability ramp for the centre in Princetown.

He argued that the former Duchy Hotel is a key, late 18th century building in Princetown which was a local heritage asset.

The officer, who accepted the idea of appropriate access for all user groups, said: 'The proposed works in this case do not respect the special interest and qualities of the building and the conservation area.'

He added: 'Creation of a deck-type structure in the front of the historic building which interferes with the proportions and meaning of the architectural presentation of the property — combined with very dominant steps and ramp approach structure, a mix of traditional and modern materials and little detail — will impact upon the character and cause harm to the significance of the building and conservation area, both heritage assets.'

But the authority's sustainable development officer, Richard Drysdale, told members of the development management committee last Friday: 'A unique situation needs a unique solution to bring life to the building for the forseeable future.'

He stressed the structure — which involved much consultation with local groups and the community — was not permanent. It could be easily removed from the 'sensitive' site.

Such changes were not taken lightly, he stressed.

He revealed that Prince Charles's Duchy of Cornwall, which owns the building, had yet to give its final verdict on the proposals.

Mr Drysdale said the Duchy had seen the drawings and the authority's 'solution' had not been queried.

James Kidner was worried the Duchy had yet to give its formal opinion of the temporary feature. He feared an 'explosion' from the Duchy about the scheme.

'I have real misgivings about it. There will be a lot of people who will be unhappy with whatever structure stands between them and the building,' he warned.

He felt the matter should be deferred to see what English Heritage felt about the plans.

The committee was told English Heritage's views had not been solicited because the former Duchy Hotel was not a Listed building.

Also the Duchy of Cornwall had been 'fully briefed'. It had not given its opinion before the response deadline.

Peter Harper said the proposals were brave —and the 'reversibility' of the temporary structure was 'ingenious'.

Philip Vogel, revealing that he was losing his eyesight, backed the idea of giving the disabled easier access to the centre.

David Lloyd supported Mr Kidner in his call for deferring the matter so English Heritage could comment.

'I want everyone to go the centre, but I want to be sure we do what is right and in the very best way,' he said.