15 March 2005
Clarification of access at Vixen Tor after the Public Inquiry and proposed talks about future access.
At the meeting held on 4 March 2005, Members of the Dartmoor National Park Authority considered the outcome of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (external link, opens new window) Section 6(3) appeals relating to Merrivale Newtake and land at Vixen Tor Farm. They welcomed the dismissal of the appeal relating to Merrivale Newtake and look forward to working with the owner to manage public access to this land when the new right of access commences later this year.
The Inspector determined that the vegetation in Field 7 at Vixen Tor Farm, (the one which contains Vixen Tor itself), does not meet the criteria for inclusion of the land on the Conclusive Maps of Open Country. This means that the land legitimately remains closed to the public, and that the new right of access on foot to open country, will definitely not apply to this land.
Nevertheless, Authority Members recognised that many members of the public still regard Vixen Tor as a special Dartmoor landmark, to which they would like access. Accordingly, Members instructed the Chief Executive (National Park Officer) to discuss with the owners, the circumstances under which they might agree to public access being permitted and the owners have since indicated that they are willing to talk. The Authority has traditionally followed a voluntary approach to securing and managing public access on Dartmoor and Members considered that such an arrangement at Vixen Tor had potential benefits to all parties.
Ends
For Further Information
Jeff Haynes, Director of Understanding and Enjoyment
John Weir, Head of Communications, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
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Notes for Editors
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,000 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 15 March 2005
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