THE uniqueness of Dartmoor could be wrecked and vital tourism ruined if new planning rules are approved, MP Sarah Wollaston has warned the House of Commons.

She told MPs that relaxing tough National Park planning rules would end up with yet more second homes being built across Dartmoor.

She was backed up by South Brent district councillor Cathie Pannell who pointed out that the village relies on Dartmoor tourism.

Cllr Pannell said: 'It would destroy the look of large areas of Dartmoor, although it wouldn't do anything for our housing.

'It is most certainly not going to be affordable for people who need housing in the area.'

Meanwhile, Ivybridge district councillor Mike Saltern pointed out that the branding of the town as the gateway to the moors was 'very important indeed' for tourism. He said: 'We have a lot of walkers and we want to encourage more. We are looking at rebranding the town. The more tourism we can attract the greater value to the economy.'

The whole of South Brent is within the Dartmoor National Park boundary, while Ivybridge is on the edge.

Dr Wollaston told MPs during this week's debate in the House of Commons: 'I absolutely agree that we need to build more homes but we need to build homes that people can afford to live in. That is my concern.

'Permitted development rights would allow buildings of up to 150 square metres – nearly twice the guideline amount for affordable housing – so we will see development of larger properties.

For more on this story, see this week's Ivybridge & South Brent Gazette