A LEISURE complex including dry ski slope, squash courts, swimming pool and an all weather pitch could be built on the outskirts of Tavistock — despite opposition by wildlife groups and residents in the area.
The proposals put forward by David Trathen for the change of use at Wilminstone Quarry has been given the thumbs up from the Secretary of State.
It was referred to government by the borough council after the planning committee granted permission for the scheme against officers' recommendation — they said it was a clear departure from policy.
Planning officer Edward Persse said the council will now work out a Section 106 Agreement with Mr Trathen — this is a legal agreement requiring a detailed scheme for the management of the site in the interests of nature conservation.
This is in addition to a list of 23 planning conditions applied to the permission including control of noise, light, opening hours, landscaping and traffic movements.
Mr Trathen said: 'I am waiting for the 106 agreement and the planning consent itself. At the moment we are having artists' impressions done of what it will all look like.
'Work will start very shortly on removing all the old caravans and everything else up there.'
Mr Trathen could not give a firm start date for work on the site yet.
The leisure development has provoked opposition from Devon Wildlife Trust, the Council for the Protection of Rural England, the Hawk and Owl Trust and Devon Bird Watching Preservation Society.
The groups are concerned about the impact of the development on badgers, peregrine falcons, kestrels, dragonflies, damselflies and the woodland and riverside habitat.
And people living in the area have objected to the scheme on grounds of noise, access, traffic, lighting and the effect on the environment.
Mr Trathen said his company have commissioned a report into the peregrine falcons carried out by a society approved by the council.
'We pay them to do a survey and we will adhere to what the report says,' said Mr Trathen.
His plans have been welcomed by the borough's economic development officer, who says it will fit in with the council's aim to encourage tourism in the area.
The business plan submitted by Mr Trathen states the development should provide eight full time jobs and 21 part time once the facilities are up and running.