Dartmoor National Park Authority again refuse local builder permission to live in his own house.

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 8th Sep 2003

A meeting of the Dartmoor National Parks Planning Committee last Friday again turned down by one vote an application by local builder, Bob Wyatt, to change the use of the barn in which he now lives from holiday to residential use.

In an attempt to save the Authority money Bob resubmitted his application after it had been turned down in March this year. He had hope that common sense would prevail and the committee would allow permanent use as a home of a building that already has permission for 52 week occupation as a holiday home. He is now left with no alternative but to pursue his appeal against the original decision, a process that could be expensive for the Authority. The appeal is due to be heard in January next year.

Commenting on the decision local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Mike Treleaven, said:

' This is a long running saga that defies logic. We have here a local businessman who has lived in the area for many years and wishes to continue living here with his family. He has businesses that he wants to develop that provide valuable services and employment in the community and I just cannot see the problem. The barn in question has ALREADY BEEN CONVERTED and can be lived in for 52 weeks a year as holiday accommodation.'

He continued:

'We constantly talk about the need for more housing for local people and yet when we have the chance to do something about it we turn it down. Where is the logic in that? We are not talking about anything that would affect the natural beauty and character of the park, something we all want to maintain - we are talking about a building that overlooks a main trunk road, the A38, and would provide a home and base for much needed local employment. When Bob originally applied for permission to convert the barn the Park Authority's refusal was overturned at appeal and we look like having another costly appeal process when common sense could have prevailed. I just feel sorry for Bob and his family who are trying to earn a living and be part of the community in which they have lived for many years'