THE controversial plan by South West Water to develop Burrator Reservoir could be stopped in its tracks tomorrow when Dartmoor National Park Authority is expected to reject it, writes Alan Gregory.

The water company applied to convert Burrator Lodge into a café and visitor centre and to demolish an historic iron building to make way for a car park.

Park officers have recommended members refuse the application because the 'visual impact and commercial use of part of the lodge would be detrimental to the character and appearance' of this part of the park — 'resulting in a conflict with the primary purpose of the National Park'.

The development is also contrary to the Devon Structure Plan, Dartmoor's local plan and the advice of John Prescott, Secretary of State for the Environment.

Dartmoor Park Authority members will vote on the application at their meeting at Bovey Tracey on Friday, March 3 at 10am.

The application sparked outrage when it was lodged. Many people saw it as a way of reintroducing a plan, defeated by massive opposition several years ago, to commercialise the reservoir.

Opposition united many of the disparate Dartmoor groups, councils and members of the public.

The park authority said they received 340 letters and 15 petitions bearing almost 1,300 signatures, although this figure may now be more than 1,700, objecting to the plans. Nine letters were received in support.

West Devon Borough Council also objected to the commercialisation of the area, so too Burrator Parish Council and many other Dartmoor parish councils.

Dr Tom Greeves, chairman of the Dartmoor Society, said they welcomed the recommendation.

'If refusal is endorsed by the meeting, an historic decision will have been made which should have beneficial and far-reaching consequences for Dartmoor and other protected areas,' he said.

'For the first time in recent years, a strong stand will have been taken to protect Dartmoor from urbanising and commercial influences.'

John Bainbridge, chief executive of Dartmoor Preservation Association, greeted the recommendation with caution.

'We are very pleased, but we have heard there's a revised application in the offing,' he said. 'I still think they (SWW) have really grand plans despite all their denials.

Graham Ledger, chairman of the Friends of Burrator, said: 'We are delighted to hear the recommendation of the planning officers and hope it will be confirmed.

'Having been down this road four years ago with similar plans we really do hope SWW will stop trying to push forward their commercial plans, which none of the local community wants.

'Surely the time has come when we can be allowed to enjoy this beautiful area without this large conglomerate pressing, with its unlimited funds, to destroy once and for all this tranquil area.'

Stephen Swain, spokesman for SWW, said they would be very disappointed if the application was turned down.

'What we are proposing is very small scale, very sympathetic — there is no behind-the-scenes plan for commercialisation, as we have been accused,' he said.

'A rejection of our application would deprive many people, who already visit Burrator, of a facility and better use of the existing building without spoiling the character of the area.'