AN announcement by the Ministry of Defence giving the green light to discuss a renewed licence to continue military training on Dartmoor has sparked a mixed response from interested parties.

With the licence due to expire in 2012, defence minister Kevan Jones said there was a long term defence requirement for such training on the moor and concluded there 'was no suitable alternative land available within the mainland UK.'

The MoD is now due to ask the Duchy of Cornwall, the landowners of the training area, to grant a continuation of its licence.

The military currently use around 13,000 hectares of moorland for training, with 10,000 of that used for live firing. Training is permitted via a private licence with the landowners.

Mr Jones, along with Environment minister Huw Irranca-Davies, announced the current 21-year licence could be renewed until 2033.

Jason Impey, a spokesman for the MoD, told the Times there was a continuing need to train the UK's Armed Forces.

He said: 'The operational tempo for troops remains significant and the need to train them well remains paramount.

'The MoD is committed to maintaining its good stewardship and professional environmental management through co-operation with its landlords, statutory bodies and thorough local consultation.'

The MoD say there is no intention to significantly alter the training pattern on the moor.

Mr Impey added: 'The future conservation and tranquillity of this area could be less secure if military training stopped.

The Duchy of Cornwall, which owns about two thirds of the training area, told the Times: 'The Duchy of Cornwall carefully monitors the environmental impact of military training on Dartmoor and will consult extensively before deciding on any renewal of the lease.

'Under the terms of any extension or renewal granted, the Duchy would look to encourage further improvements in the environmental performance of the military.'

However, concerns have been raised by Dartmoor Preservation Association, which campaigns to protect the special qualities of Dartmoor.

James Paxman, DPA chief executive, said: 'All parties, including the military themselves, recognise there is a fundamental conflict between National Park purposes and certain aspects of military training.

'Live firing on the Dartmoor ranges requires that the public are excluded from large tracts of open moorland for a substantial number of days each year.

'We are disappointed that there has been no opportunity for public inquiry on this occasion and that the licences will be requested for the inordinately long period of 21 years.'

He said the DPA recognised the Government must ensure the troops are trained to the highest possible standards but it 'also has responsibilities to protect the special qualities of National Parks.'

Kate Ashbrook, the general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, said: 'It is outrageous to condemn Dartmoor for such a long period.  The military has never been required to demonstrate, before an independent judge, its continuing need for Dartmoor as a live-firing area. 

'This is a national park, designated for its wildness and natural beauty, and opportunities for quiet enjoyment by the public.  Military live-firing clearly conflicts with those purposes.' 

The OSS feel the licence should be granted for a much shorter period 'with the opportunity for review as circumstances change.'

It said it would be talking to the Duchy to see if it can persuade it to limit the term to fewer than 21 years.

Dartmoor National Park Authority said that throughout the MOD-led review of military training on Dartmoor it has sought 'to achieve due consideration of the environmental and public benefit issues enshrined in National Park purposes.'

Although the authority was supportive of the need for military training it was convinced more can be done to ensure the local economy and environment benefit from such training.  

Nigel Hoskin, DNPA chairman, said: 'It is disappointing the Government has not sought to build in safeguards that would require demonstration of continued military need.  

'By the time any new licence expires it will be over 50 years since the public inquiry into military training on Dartmoor.'

'Although disappointed by the outcome and by the apparent primacy of the military imperative, we remain committed to work closely with the MOD and Duchy of Cornwall at local level to ensure that while essential military needs are met, the potential for environmental and public access improvements are pursued with vigour.'