I AM writing on behalf of the Dartmoor Society, which has a membership of some 450 persons. For 17 years the society has been an independent voice for those who find Dartmoor a source of livelihood or inspiration.

We fully support this application by Yennadon Quarry for modest expansion to allow fulfilment of its current planning permission to 2025.

The application reaches to the heart of understanding and awareness of the cultural history and landscape of Dartmoor and of sustainability and the wise use of resources.

Yennadon is the last active stone quarry working on moorland Dartmoor, out of scores that once existed.

As such, it is a cultural icon and living heritage link to the previous generations of quarrymen and their families, who have shaped what is one of the finest cultural landscapes in the world.

Amazingly, this small-scale enterprise supports a workforce of 27. It provides stone for a wide area of West Devon and beyond, and is maintaining the historical value of Dartmoor which has always shared its resources (minerals, water, livestock etc) beyond the limits of Dartmoor itself.

Its scale is entirely appropriate to modern Dartmoor and adds character to the Dartmoor landscape.

The proposed expansion poses no significant threat to archaeology, ecology or the wider landscape and, once the quarry has ceased working (2025), it will soon become an intriguing site, sitting quietly within a moorland setting.

After abandonment, we advise that foundations of any structures within the quarry should be left undisturbed, for the education and interest of future generations.

This quarry is exactly the type of small-scale locally distinctive enterprise, making wise use of Dartmoor’s resources, that deserves widespread encouragement. We urge Dartmoor National Park Authority to approve this application.

Tom Greeves

Chairman of The Dartmoor Society

Tavistock

COULD­ you please add my support to Mr Sheppard’s comments of July 30, by asking all those who objected to the Yennadon quarry application to do so again, as this application will not allow previous objections to be considered.

So, don’t think that, having made clear your views once, that they will be included for this new application.

Yes, it was an underhand way of trying to beat the system by reapplying just as the holiday season starts, but please make your views known or you will be ignored.

You only have until August 14 (tomorrow) to do so!

Mike Finn

Dousland