THE Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is one of a number of conservation groups objecting to the proposed development of a sporting holiday complex at Wilminstone Quarry on the outskirts of Tavistock.
The society, along with English Nature, Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society and Devon Wildlife Trust, has written to West Devon Borough Council expressing concern that the proposal to transform the secluded quarry would have a severe impact on wildlife including rare peregrine falcons, kestrels, barn owls and buzzards which nest there.
English Nature also has geological concerns and has lodged a holding objection calling for a full ecological study of the area.
Owner and developer, David Trathen, submitted an outline planning application to build lodges, luxurious log cabins and a ski slope on four and a half acres to the north of the A386 Tavistock to Okehampton road.
If granted permission, canoeing, windsurfing and rowing would take place on the lake which is already used by numerous groups. It would become the focus of the complex with boat-house, cafe and restaurant.
The plan has the backing of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Information and several local schools.
Some local residents have told West Devon Council they are worried about the effect the leisure centre would have on the area.
David and Pam Woods of Old Exeter Road claimed the complex would generate noise, have an impact on wildlife and that access would be difficult.
'We chose to live in Tavistock in order to enjoy a peaceful secluded lifestyle — the fulfillment of a dream,' they wrote. 'It is now apparent that this dream is about to turn into a nightmare.'
Mavis Richards, who lives in the Toll House, explained she already suffered disturbance as a result of the children using existing facilities at the quarry.
Manager of the Kelly College Adventure Centre, Tim Wiggan, has carried out his own research and lists Kelly College, Delaware Centre, Gunnislake, Spirit of Adventure for schools groups and work for the Prince's Trust Volunteers, local scouts, Plymouth Diving School, Compass Development, Dartmoor Prison, Okehampton Youth Hostel and Devon Adventure Training as those already using the quarry.
'The quarry is an ideal, safe location to introduce people of all ages to the joys of kayaking and other environmentally safe activities,' he said in his letter to the borough council.
'It is peaceful and secluded. If it were to be changed into a leisure complex with swimming pools, restaurants, bars with chalets all around the water, I believe is would be a disaster.
'I believe if this development takes place, the present users would actively seek other venues. It would destroy the natural habitat for the wildlife and make the water unusable for groups who need a quiet secluded area for activities.'
West Devon's head of planning Stephen Gill said the developers had been asked to provide more information 'particularly relating to the concerns raised, not only by the residents, but by English Nature and various other bodies'.
David Trathen said he was waiting to read copies of all the objections and was not prepared to comment any further on the scheme at this stage.
The application is due to be discussed at the borough council's next planning meeting on August 29.