A scheme that residents feared might have paved the way for the construction of an abattoir has been rejected by Dartmoor National Park.

At the authority's headquarters in Bovey Tracey on Friday members of the development management committee refused to grant planning permission for the widening of a 15m stretch of single-track access road that serves Burntown, Mary Tavy.

Their decision conflicted with advice from officers who said the change could have improved road safety at the junction with the busy A386.

But residents of the five barn conversions served by the lane were convinced the application was linked to a failed bid to convert a nearby farm building into an abattoir.

That was refused permission last month after members decided the project could have left residents 'socially and economically disadvantaged' and introduced more traffic on to the A386.

The application for the lane-widening scheme was to have been considered at the same time as the abattoir plan but was held over until Friday's meeting.

Planning officer James Aven told members they were obliged to consider it 'on its own merits' and not associate it with the abattoir.

But Cllr Terry Pearce, chairman of Mary Tavy Parish Council, said that if improved safety had been the motive why had not the applicant, Martin Smale, made the change 16 years ago when the barns were converted.

'The abattoir is the reason why this application is before you,' he told members.

Mr Smale countered the claim, saying widening would mean room for two vehicles to pass without one having to back out onto the A-road.

'I think it will be a tremendous improvement,' he said.

Debate in the room concluded with a statement from member David Lloyd. He said: 'This application is potentially going to urbanise the entrance to a rural lane contrary to the policies of the National Park.'

Members voted 10 - 7 to refuse permission.