Military training on Dartmoor set to continue until 2033 – Campaign’s dismay at long licence

27 January 2009

The Campaign for National Parks has reacted with dismay to today’s announcement by the Government which effectively gives the green light to continuing military training in the Dartmoor National Park until 2033.  This includes training with live ammunition which precludes public access to some of the most beautiful parts of the Dartmoor National Park for a significant part of the year.

Defence Minister Kevan Jones and Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies have concluded that there is a continuing need for military training on Dartmoor.  There will be a review at the mid-point of the new training licence but this will not examine need and will instead provide an environmental stocktake.

Acting Chief Executive Ruth Chambers responded, “there is no doubt that our Armed Forces need the best possible preparation for battle and other deployments.  However, the extent to which this essential need should be met by use of the rugged terrain and tranquil environments of our National Parks has never been subject to independent scrutiny and now, at least for Dartmoor, appears to be out of bounds for discussion until 2033.  The Government’s announcement militates against searching for alternatives to training on Dartmoor – what incentive do the military authorities have to explore these if they are being told that it’s ‘business as usual’ until 2033?

“It is far from clear how a 21 year licence will allow changes that might take place in global security and the training needs of our Armed Forces to be taken into account.  If operational commitments were to change, will the licence be amended in light of any changes to training requirements where there would be obvious public gains such as greater access? 

“Granting a licence for a timeframe in which six Olympic Games will have taken place, Government will have changed and as yet unknown changes to society will have taken place errs well beyond a cautious approach and runs the risk of locking Dartmoor into a future of military training from which it will be difficult to escape”.

Ruth Chambers concluded, “as well as ensuring that our troops are trained to the highest possible standards, the Government has a responsibility to protect our National Parks for current and future generations.  It is very disappointing that in 2009, which is the 60th anniversary of the legislation that enabled our National Parks to come into being, National Park interests have not been given enough weight in this decision.  We now urge Ministers to think beyond this current decision and establish a new process to explore how training requirements can be met in the long term without compromising our finest landscapes”.

Notes to editors
1. Ministers have announced today in a statement to Parliament that the current 21-year licence, granted by the Duchy of Cornwall as landowner and due to expire in 2012, can be renewed for a further 21 years.

2. The Campaign for National Parks is the national charity that campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all.  CNP is an umbrella of nearly 40 environmental and amenity groups across England and Wales.

3. For further details contact Ruth Chambers on 020 7924 4077 ext. 222 or 07769 676 397.

 

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222