GOOD news for friends of Burrator Lodge, ? South West Water (or is it South West Lakes Trust?) have decided this much loved and hotly debated listed building needs a facelift, and are pressure-washing it. (Some people probably prefer their listed Victorian granite with the patina of age, but perhaps there?s an air quality problem at the reservoir).
Such good works should not be hid under a bushel and, as the owners have cut down all the rhododendrons in which the lodge?s frontage was formerly embowered, these enhancements will be widely seen by visitors.
I expect there will be some people who will say that rhododendrons are the appropriate vegetation to maintain the character of a late Victorian listed building?s curtilage, but in view of South West Lakes Trust?s impressive programme of public
consultation over the last year I have to assume these changes are by public demand.
Meanwhile, the operation has enhanced the Dartmoor Biodiversity Action Plan with a new (but hopefully short-lived) species, the Greater Blue Plastic Pipe Snake, which now coils its way from the lodge to the old chlorine store at the dam.
No doubt this reflects the known inadequacy of the water supply by South West Water to the lodge. Reports from local inhabitants that it actually fluoresces in the dark are probably exaggerated, but the Lesser Green Plastic Pipe Snake might have been a less obtrusive choice.
Still, it?s all progress and good stewardship, isn?t it?
Cllr Nicholas Waterhouse
Member for Burrator
West Devon Borough Council