A LEISURE facility which could inject £1-million worth of business to the Tavistock area was given the nod by West Devon's planning committee this week.

The decision flies in the face of advice from planning officers who recommended rejection of a scheme 'clearly contradictory' to local planning policy, plus strong objections from residents in the area.

But the scheme using disused quarries at Wilminstone will have to be agreed by the Secretary of State before the development can go ahead.

The plans submitted by David Trathen include a gym, swimming pool, squash courts, all-weather pitch, dry ski slope and water sports in the flooded quarry, plus a range of holiday accommodation.

Mr Trathen said eight full-time and 21 part-time jobs could be created by the development.

He said the scheme had been revised to resolve concerns by wildlife groups and had received support from the town council, chamber of commerce, West Devon's economic development officer and the tourist board.

'I am amazed to see the planning officer has a different opinion,' said Mr Trathen.

And Malcolm Turner, Mr Trathen's planning consultant, said the development could bring £1-million into the economy through jobs and beneficial knock-on effects.

But the highways department is concerned the junction with the main A386 is unsafe and 'on balance' recommended refusal of the scheme.

Objector David Woods said there had already been one fatality at the road junction to Wilminstone — he was also concerned about noise.

'The quarry acts like a sounding board. Any slight sound in the quarry is magnified all around,' he said.

Peter Rowan, agent for residents, said most of the facilities proposed by Mr Trathen already existed in Tavistock — and the ski slope used a hillside leased by one of his clients, who would not be releasing the land.

He said his clients would be 'severely affected' by 'totally unacceptable' light and noise pollution.

'It's quite clear to me there is no policy at all to support this proposal,' said Mr Rowan.

Although English Nature is satisfied the revised plan will not harm wildlife, other groups claim the habitat of peregrine falcons and badgers would be threatened.

And Devon Wildlife Trust is concerned extra activity will affect woodland and riverside habitats.

Cllr Caroline Keane said it was 'a very exciting development' which would bring 'huge advantages' to Tavistock but she accepted it would mean enormous changes in a secluded area.

Cllr Dick Eberlie said in view of the clear objections, a more modest scheme would be appropriate.

Planning permission, accompanied by a list of 23 conditions, will now be determined by the Secretary of State as the decision is a departure from the local plan.