SOUTH West Water suffered a second defeat this week as it continues to pursue a policy to commercialise its properties.

The water company has applied to West Devon Borough Council to turn its redundant pumphouse at Lopwell Dam on the River Tavy into a visitor centre and refreshment kiosk.

Buckland Monachorum Parish Council's planning committee voted on Monday evening to object to the proposal.

It said the development would bring an intrusion of traffic and would detract from the informal recreation currently enjoyed at the site, spoiling the quiet and tranquillity.

This decision followed the rejection of a plan for a café, visitor centre and car park at Burrator Reservoir on Friday, by the Dartmoor National Park Authority.

In the debate, Councillor Richard White said the people living closest to the site had no objections to the plan.

'They think it's a wonderful idea and are sorry to see the building deteriorate,' he said. 'It's a wonderful thing for people down there.'

The design submitted by the water company also found favour with Cllr Peter Wing and council chairwoman Marilyn Allen. She said it would be a beautiful building.

Cllr Graham Osborne suspected SWW of an ulterior motive, but Miss Allen said she didn't think it had one and parish clerk Judy Ricketts told members there was nowhere else to develop anything.

But the biggest issue seemed to be the number of visitors that could be expected and the amount of extra traffic it would generate.

Several of the councillors said SWW wouldn't spend that much money without expecting a return and the proposed café and classroom would surely encourage people to visit.

'What's wrong with people coming to see a beauty spot?' asked Mr White.

'If too many people come it stops being a beauty spot,' replied Mrs Woollacott.

Cllr Sally Challiss said: 'I just don't like the idea of it being commercialised. People go there because they like it as it is.'

Five members voted to object to the development. Mr White asked for his name to be recorded in favour of the plan. Also in favour were Marilyn Allen and Peter Wing.

The parish council sits in an advisory role only on planning matters. The application will go before West Devon Borough Council, the planning authority, probably on 11 April.