Opinion Pumped Storage Hydro in the Highlands - Is Anywhere Still Off Limits?
Are the enormous Earba and Fearna hydro projects merely the thin end of an ever bigger wedge? In a planning free-for-all for energy in Scotland, where will we draw the line? It's not yet too late to shed light on the murky world of Highland meg...
Comments
I appreciate the article, and I think it is much to UKC's credit that both sides are given the space to present their views.
That said, I don't see how this article addresses any of the objections to the proposals. Further, it doesn't give any examples of how specific proposed changes will achieve the stated aims.
As someone who lives, walks and camps on Dartmoor I think the proposals are very reasonable and the changes are very minor. The reduction in the areas where wild camping is permitted is only about 8% and are areas close to the road which doesn't count as wild camping anyway
As someone else has said, I think it’s very appropriate to present both sides of this case, and some good points are made in this response.
There are however two fairly important points not addressed by this response.
1. There are existing byelaws which could have been used to clamp down on the unwanted behaviour, but I understand that no prosecutions have been brought. I’m not sure it’s appropriate to use unpunished criminal behaviour as a justification for introducing new criminal offences.
2. The 8% reduction in the permissible camping area may sound reasonable, but the proposed changes also give DNPA a new power to reduce the area of permissible camping at any time without further consultation, which is a significant and very valid concern raised by John Bainbridge which has not been addressed in this article.
I hope DNPA listen carefully to the concerns of those of us who already value and respect the moor, and reconsider some of the proposed changes.
Do you mountain bike on Dartmoor?
Do you ever sleep in a van?