Parts of Dartmoor could be at risk from quarrying, according to a new survey.
The Council for National Parks (CNP) says there are several old quarrying permits that could be used in the next 40 years in the national park. The CNP says that if used, such permissions could have potentially disastrous consequences for the landscape, archaeology and nature conservation. The Dartmoor National Park Authority says that if necessary, it would always negotiate to minimise any potential damage.  | | There are concerns that quarrying will damage the Dartmoor landscape |
Dartmoor has six dormant quarries; 16 old permits for extracting minerals; and several active quarries. There is also one dormant permit for Exmoor. The old quarries and permits could be used up until 2042. The CNP warns that current laws regulating existing quarries does not impose modern environmental conditions, so companies operating within the law could damage national parks. The council has called for tighter regulation of active quarries and for old dormant quarry permits to be dealt with. As part of its 2004-2005 Performance Plan, the Dartmoor National Park Authority says it expects "some changes to the operation within one of the working quarries and other reclamation work is expected". The plans adds: "Usual liaison and negotiations will minimise damage to the national park. No new major developments are anticipated during the year."
| 
