AN APPLICATION to demolish a former hotel in Chagford and create a new Dartmoor hamlet has been deferred by Dartmoor National Park Authority for the submission of new access details.
Gerald Wood Homes is applying for permission to construct ten residential dwellings at the Great Tree Hotel.
Agent Adam Lewis told a DNP planning meeting recently that unfortunately economics had made the existing hotel use unviable and its condition made it not worthy of retention.
He said concerns regarding its access had been listened to and a new access suggested at a point on the brow of a hill had been looked at and the county environment director had withdrawn his objection.
Planning officer Colin Jarvis suggested the matter be deferred to look into the access issue further and for details to be submitted by the applicant.
He informed the committee that since the site inspection, objections had been received from the Dartmoor Preservation Association saying that it was contrary to the local plan, and the Open Spaces Society which felt the proposal would have an adverse effect on the beauty of the area.
Five objections from local residents had also been received.
But DNP member Hugh Whitley told the committee the scheme was ?a very good one? and with suggested improvements regarding the entrance there could be good visibility.
?When was the last hamlet built on Dartmoor?? he said. ?It is about time another one was built and I thoroughly recommend it to members.?
But Nick Waterhouse said the authority would not even be thinking about it if there did not happen to be ?a hunk of decaying hotel sitting on the site?.
?I have a strong impression there is considerable unease about this ? we are going to create a much more populated area,? he said.