Business owners, residents, and local leaders have rallied against the proposed closure of the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre.
A determined group braved torrid weather to gather at the Prince of Wales Public House in Princetown to address the proposed closure of the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre, based in Princetown. The meeting, organised by the Princetown Business Network, aimed to ensure community voices are heard and explore viable alternatives to closure.
Despite heavy snowfall, 22 people attended, with numerous apologies and messages of support from others unable to travel. Significant political representation was also present including the parish council, members from West Devon Council and representative of the constituency MP. Community spokespeople from various sectors of the village were nominated to speak at the upcoming Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) meeting to express their concerns and present potential solutions.
While the DNPA claims to have been exploring options, it’s alleged there has been no meaningful engagement with residents or businesses beyond discussions with the Duchy of Cornwall, the landlords of the property.
Caroline Wain, teacher and owner of Duchy House B&B said: “As a local business owner, I am deeply concerned about the lack of consultation regarding the closure of the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre. The DNPA has a statutory duty under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to provide educational support and foster the economic and social well-being of local communities. Closing this centre without engaging with us undermines these obligations.”
The meeting highlighted the Duchy of Cornwall’s recognition of the centre’s importance, demonstrated by a supportive annual rent of £100 on a fully repairing lease. Participants identified four potential partner organisations who could share the venue and operational responsibilities, offering a collaborative solution to maintain the centre’s operation. These potential partners have yet to be formally approached.
The community also expressed a strong willingness to volunteer and support the DNPA in running the visitor centre, demonstrating a significant commitment to its future.
The Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre is the largest of three in the Dartmoor area and the only one equipped to handle large school groups, making it a crucial educational resource.
The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, along with the Environment Act 1995, places a duty on National Park Authorities to promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Parks by the public. This includes providing information and educational facilities. The visitor centre plays a vital role in providing both educational and economic support to the community.
“The Darmoor National Park Visitor Centre is a vital resource for our community, especially for educational purposes. It is the only centre equipped to handle large school groups, providing essential ecological education. The DNPA must recognise its legal responsibilities and work with us to find a sustainable solution,” – Helen Northcott, local resident.
The centre is a vital lifeline for Princetown, one of the most socially deprived areas on Dartmoor (according to the ONS). It not only supports the local economy but also provides a crucial focal point for the community. Its closure would severely impact footfall, jeopardising the viability of local businesses, some of which have already expressed intentions to relocate. This loss of businesses and community space would further isolate Princetown, exacerbating its existing economic disadvantages and creating a sense of decline. This comes at a particularly precarious time, with uncertainty surrounding the prison and the threat to the important Prison Museum.
Nikki Hirst from the Ramblers’ Rest added: “The knock-on impact of losing the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre could be devastating. It seems counterintuitive to make such a destructive blow to a centre that is located in the heart of a small village community. We are gravely concerned and disappointed that the National Park has completely ignored the extensive lateral values that the visitor centre delivers. Closing this centre would disproportionately affect our most vulnerable residents. Value needs to be measured in terms of people, not just pound notes.”
The Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre has also played host to a number of art exhibitions, supporting local artists.
“The Visitor centre has been a critical player in enabling the art movement in West Dartmoor – a crucially deprived area and its absence will be devastating for our amazing village”, Nick Bennet, local resident and sculptor.
Despite financial constraints, DNPA’s own data reveals growth in tourism. The 2023 Dartmoor National Park Visitor Survey showed a 30% increase in visitor centre footfall (nearly 115,000 visitors at Postbridge, Princetown, and Haytor) between April and September 2023.
Meeting attendees proposed solutions, including exploring partnerships, increasing volunteer involvement, and pursuing grant funding. They also questioned whether the DNPA had consulted with educational groups and what grant applications had been made to support the centre.
The timing of the proposed closure, just before the new tourist season and with limited notice, raises serious concerns about economic planning. With the current lease running until March 2026, the community believes there is ample time to explore alternative solutions.
Rory Atton, from Dewerstone said: “We urge the DNPA to reconsider this decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with the community; at the very least, we should have been given sufficient notice to prepare for the upcoming tourism season.”
The community is urging the DNPA to reconsider the closure and engage in open and constructive dialogue to find a sustainable solution that benefits both Dartmoor National Park and the local community.
A Dartmoor National Park Authority spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns expressed by the community. Proposals to close the National Park Visitor Centre at Princetown will be carefully considered by Authority Members at their scheduled meeting on Friday 10th January, with a report setting out the detailed financial context and background which has brought the Authority to this point. Members will examine three options before making a decision. The meeting will be held in public as usual, and proceedings will be audiocast on our YouTube channel.””