Planning application 0096/17/ HHO – to build a lift shaft tower in South Town – is to be discussed and either approved or refused by the development management committee of South Hams District Council at its meeting on Wednesday, May 10.

The tower would extend almost from the level of the river up to Manor Gardens, the public garden in South Town, Dartmouth, and would rise 2.2 metres above it.

Its location would be only 20 metres from the viewing ­platform, and for anyone walking up South Town or on the ­platform, the tower and the bridge would obstruct the

view out to sea of much of the ­hillside and land between South Town and the castle. For walkers and sightseers, South Town is part of the South West Coast Path and Manor Gardens is the first uninterrupted view of Dartmouth, Kingswear and the river.

I know how much pleasure this gives thousands of people every year, because I hear and see them every day. The tower would be in the middle of the view, more prominent than any other feature.

It would also be in a conservation area, and rather than helping to conserve the area as it was, or is now, it would do the opposite. It would be in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well. Its impact would be to make the area less outstanding, less natural and less beautiful.

If the tower is built, right in front of the only public garden between the town and the ­castle, it would suggest that buildings of this kind could appear anywhere private individuals want easier access from one level to a higher level. Since many of the properties in Dartmouth and Kingswear are on the sides of hills, we could end up with a large number of lift shafts – there are already two within 100 metres of Manor Gardens.

How regrettable it would be if in years to come walkers, sightseers, residents and people in boats on the river see these imposing grey towers wherever they look, spoiling their ­enjoyment of an extremely beautiful part of the world.

Almost 200 people have signed a petition opposing the application and more than 100 have submitted objections on the SHDC website to the ­original and the revised ­applications. Only two people agreed with the application.

Dartmouth Town Council is recommending refusal, and so is the SHDC planning officer dealing with the case. Despite all of this, SHDC could decide to overrule the recommendations and approve the application when it meets on May 10.

If you feel strongly about the lift shaft tower, you may wish to contact our local councillors, whose names are listed

below. The meeting is next Wednesday, May 10, so please send them an email or write to them as soon as possible.

Cllrs Hilary Bastone, Jonathon Hawkins and Rosemary Rowe