SOUTH West Water has not given up its fight to commercialise Burrator reservoir.
The company has appealed to the Government to overturn Dartmoor National Park Authority's March decision, which stopped it converting the Burrator Lodge — since listed as an historic building —into a café and visitor centre, and demolishing an historic iron building to make way for a car park.
Park authority planners refused the application saying commercial use of the lodge and the visual impact of the development would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the park.
They said this was in direct conflict with the primary purpose of the National Park as well as being contrary to the Devon Structure Plan, Dartmoor's local plan and the advice of John Prescott, the Secretary of State for the Environment, to whom the appeal will be addressed.
The plan also met considerable opposition with many people suspecting it was a more subtle way of imposing a scheme, defeated by massive opposition several years ago, to commercialise the reservoir, although the company insisted there was no hidden agenda.
'They can dream,' said John Bainbridge, chief executive of the Dartmoor Preservation Association.
'I don't think they have much chance flying in the face of National Park policy. It would be a precedent for other national parks.
'It's outrageous. They are a greedy, ambitious company. They should concentrate on supplying a decent water supply.'
Dr Tom Greeves, chairman of the Dartmoor Society, said: 'We are very disappointed. Despite contacts we've had with them, and I understand the park authority has spoken to them at a very senior level as well, and the listing of the lodge, they've still gone ahead with the appeal.
'They are out of touch with the views of local people and conservationists.'
South West Water countered that, saying there was a lot of support for its plans.
Spokesman Stephen Swain said: 'Some people are not happy with them, but we do feel it is right to appeal.
'We still believe it is a sensible improvement that would provide an improved service to the many people who visit the reservoir — in particular a more formal car parking arrangement which would help traffic management around the reservoir because there has been a lot of vandalism in the area.
'It would help some of the congestion and the chance to have a cup of tea and improved toilets.
'The matter will be decided by the proper processes.'
The appeal is to be conducted entirely by written submission — there will be no public meeting.
DNPA planning officer Colin Jarvis said protesters will be able to submit their views.
'We will be defending our decision vigorously,' he said.
The appeal is expected to start during the next couple or three weeks and continue for a month or six weeks.