In a decisive move, South Hams District Council has delivered a powerful rebuke to National Highways, unanimously rejecting a contentious proposal to widen a key route through the heart of Dartmoor National Park.
The council's planning committee voted overwhelmingly to oppose the scheme for the A382 between Drumbridges and Forches Cross, near Ashburton. The project, designed to improve a notorious accident blackspot, faced fierce criticism for its potential environmental impact.
Environmental Concerns Take Precedence
Councillors heard extensive evidence detailing the severe harm the project would inflict on the protected landscape. The planned widening would necessitate the destruction of ancient hedgerows, veteran trees, and valuable woodland habitats, causing irreparable damage to the national park's ecological fabric.
Local residents and environmental groups had mounted a significant campaign against the proposals, arguing that the construction would industrialise a cherished natural gateway to Dartmoor and set a dangerous precedent for development within nationally protected areas.
Searching for a Sustainable Solution
While all parties acknowledge the need to address safety on the A382, the council's rejection underscores a demand for a more thoughtful and environmentally sensitive approach. The committee concluded that National Highways had failed to adequately explore alternative solutions that would minimise the impact on Dartmoor's unique character.
This decision sends a clear message that environmental protection and the preservation of natural beauty must be paramount in infrastructure planning, especially within the UK's treasured national parks. The ball now lies in National Highways' court to return with a revised, less damaging proposal.
