The Tamar Protection Society has contacted Caradon council's planning department, objecting to a planning application for a St Mellion farmhouse.

The Society says it is seriously concerned about a scheme, submitted by Mr and Mrs M J Mann, for alterations to Crocadon Farmhouse, together with change of use of the farm buildings, a new access road and light industrial and retail use.

In its letter the Society is critical that the northern wing of Crocadon farmhouse, which is listed, has been allowed to fall into disrepair since l972 when it was last occupied. Criticism was made of both the owners, Pentillie Estate, and the district council for letting this occur.

The Society said: 'Crocadon Farm (on the east side of the A388) lies within the Tamar Valley designated area of outstanding natural beauty and any planning application such as this, which is non traditional, needs to be scrutinised very carefully. It seems incompatible with the objects of AONB designation to invite the pubic at large into what is going to be a retail business concern, within sight of the River Tamar.'