A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to create a rural studies centre in a West Devon hamlet will now go ahead, after a planning refusal by Dartmoor National Park Authority was overturned by a government inspector. King Edward VI School, based in Hampshire, applied to convert the Grade II Listed Lower Lovaton Cottage, near Meavy, to a study centre for up to 30 people a year ago. Lovaton residents fought the scheme, claiming it would effectively double the population of the hamlet. They were also concerned about the effect extra people would have on water supplies and sewage systems ? residents use bore holes to obtain water and often face difficulties in dry weather. Dartmoor National Park?s planning committee turned down the change of use application, though it granted Listed Building consent for the alterations. But now a planning inspector has allowed the appeal against the decision. The inspector said only two properties would be directly affected by the proposed centre and screening conditions could be imposed to minimise the impact on neighbours. The inspector said staff at the centre would be expected to limit disturbance to a reasonable level. As far as traffic was concerned, the inspector said there would be little difference between present residential use of the building and the proposed use. With care, the replacement of a stone chicken shed with a timber dormitory building would be likely to enhance the setting of the Listed cottage, said the inspector, who also imposed a limit of 24 pupils at the centre. Jim and Jenny Hill live within 15 feet of Lower Lovaton Cottage. Mrs Hill said they were ?incensed? by the inspector?s decision: ?It just doesn?t seem to be a suitable place for what they say they want to do. It seems the inspector?s decision was very one-sided.? Mr Hill said residents in Lovaton were?very disappointed? by the result of the appeal. He said as far as they were concerned, the inspector had ignored their worries about the water system and road safety and was more concerned with the wildlife population in the area. A spokesman for Dartmoor National Park said: ?As with all appeals, we are never happy when they go against us, but although we obviously don?t agree with the inspector?s decision, and neither do the residents, it?s not one where we feel it is so faulty as to challenge it in the high court.? Julian Thould, headmaster of King Edward VI School, said work at Lower Lovaton would begin ?at the earliest opportunity? and would be staged to minimise disruption. ?We are aware of concerns with the local community but hope to prove to our neighbours that their fears are unfounded,? said Mr Thould.
