PLANNERS have given the go-ahead for an aerial rope trekking centre in woodlands at Gulworthy.
The application by the Dartmoor Outdoor Company included the creation of rope bridges and walkways and a zip line.
The company said that its aim was to provide a unique recreational and educational experience, create eight jobs and a stimulating outdoor adventure activity and eco-tourism attraction at Hanging Cliff Wood, Gulworthy.
There was some opposition locally from the Devon Great Consols Residents' Group, which said that Hanging Cliff Wood was the largest tract of unspoilt, largely deciduous, wild wood in the area and was a sanctuary for deer, fox, badger, bats, dormice, owls, buzzards and peregrine falcons. The group claimed all this wildlife would be driven away if the centre was developed.
West Devon Borough Council's planning committee was told last week that the application had been submitted with the relevant bat and dormice survey and Natural England had raised no objections.
The issue relating to disruption to buzzards or other bird species had not been highlighted by Natural England as requiring a separate survey.
While the applicant had requested operating times of 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 5pm on Sundays, it was officer opinion that these should be reduced to 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Sunday to provide adequate protection to neighbour amenity.