Temporary film set at Land To The North Of Sharp Tor, Widecombe In The Moor, Newton Abbot

A departure from planning policy

The application was a departure from the Local Plan's spatial strategy, which only allows development in the open countryside in limited circumstances.

“The application was presented to Members as it was viewed as a departure from the Local Plan's spatial strategy which only supports development in the open countryside of the National Park in a limited set of scenarios. At the invitation of the Chair, the Director of Spatial Planning clarified the revisions to the recommendation and the proposed condition no. Members had the opportunity to ask questions of Officers.”

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Highways objected, archaeology did not

Historic England raised no objection, recommending an archaeological watching brief, while the Highways Agency objected though officers considered the traffic scheme acceptable.

“Questions asked by Members included the date provided for the temporary permission, what happens if the construction phase does break ground, request for the details of vehicles likely to be using the temporary matting, whether a condition survey of the track would carried out prior to works commencing, clarification on the likely impact of filming on the nearby public footpaths and highway, what information was shared with the Highway Authority, confirmation as whether…”

“Although the Highways Agency has objected to the application, Officers had considered that seeking possible alternative access routes would take a lot of time and may not, necessarily, provide a preferred option. As the application is for a filming project of around 11 weeks Officers felt that the…”

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No lasting harm expected

Officers advised the lightweight aluminium track and temporary nature of the scheme meant no lasting harm to vegetation, archaeology or the landscape.

“Traffic Management Scheme was acceptable and would adequately cover all eventualities and any mitigating circumstances; • Although the application is a departure from policy 1.3 of the Local Plan, it has been advertised as such; no harm to the wider landscape has been identified as the proposal is temporary in nature; • With regards to the proposed access track, the materials proposed are made of aluminium which is very light and will lie on top of the ground.”

“However, this 11 week project will, Officers feel, give back to Dartmoor, will contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain and proposes no lasting harm to the site and will not require footpaths or roads to be closed; [name withheld] advised Members that his company wanted to leave positive PR for Dartmoor – from the use of local hotels, restaurant, taxis etc. He thanked the officers of the National Park Authority for their assistance and advice with his application.”

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The applicant spoke in support

The applicant's representative said the project would bring positive publicity and economic benefit to Dartmoor and leave no trace once complete.

Members welcomed the temporary scheme

Members commended officers for their pragmatic consideration of the temporary application and its positive showcase of the Dartmoor landscape.

“Members commended officers for their pragmatic and positive consideration of this application; the temporary nature (11 weeks) of the application having clearly been taken into account. Dartmoor will be highlighted in a very positive light and its beautiful landscape showcased. The film ‘War Horse’, for example, released in December 2011, is still talked about today.”

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