4 April 2007
Haytor - plans for a new Information Centre
Many of the thousands of visitors and local residents who use or pass the Haytor area will be aware of a seasonal Information Centre provision that is located in a customised portacabin. Dartmoor National Park Authority has just submitted a planning application to replace this structure, and the nearby public toilets, with a purpose-built sustainable building.
The temporary information facility has been located at Haytor since 1995. This is sited adjacent to the existing toilets and on common land. The portacabin has virtually come to the end of its useful life and the toilets are in need of upgrading. The National Park Authority has taken the decision to replace both facilities with a modest, permanent building combining them within one development and at the same time relocating them on adjacent enclosed land in Authority ownership.
Haytor is one of the most popular visitor destinations on Dartmoor. The Authority believes that the proposed structure will enhance visitor experience, will assist site management generally, and will be a considerable environmental improvement compared to the existing provision.
An important factor in determining the form of the proposed building is the need to reinforce the relationship of the Centre itself to Haytor and the moorland – siting and orientation of the new build will maximise views from the building whilst minimising visual impact from the adjacent moorland.
Consideration of sustainability and ecological issues has also influenced the proposed design. Specifically:-
•where possible and affordable, build materials will be locally sourced and/or from sustainable sources;
•use of natural light and natural ventilation will be maximised;
•low water use and low energy electrical fittings will be incorporated;
•‘grey water’/rain water will be used for toilet operation;
•options for locally generated power are being pursued;
•part of the roof space will be designed in a way that allows for bat roosting;
•the trees on the enclosed site are non-native conifers for which the Authority is establishing a management and replacement policy.
In parallel to the new provision, the Authority is developing enhanced external interpretative provision including self guided walks, supervised guided walks and educational activities.
The proposed facilities have modest build costs. It is hoped to have the new Information Centre and toilet facilities open in time for the 2008 visitor season. In the meantime the existing information and toilet facilities will remain open throughout the 2007 season. The Centre will open daily 10am to 5pm from 4 April through to October.
Members of the public and organisations are invited to comment on the planning application. The consultation period runs from 6 April 2007 to 27 April 2007. The application can be viewed on the Authority’s web site at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk or at the Dartmoor National Park Office, Parke, Bovey Tracey during normal office hours.
Ends
For Further Information
John Weir, Head of Head of Education, Information and Communication Service
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are now available on the Authority's web site. The Agendas are placed on the Authority's web site 7 days in advance of the meetings.
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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 33,500 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 4 April 2007
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