Bob Tav
If you go along the ATPL route, you will be on your way to getting a CPL+IR+ME+'Frozen ATPL' (swallowed whole). In order to be able to 'unfreeze' your ATPL later, you will need to have flown multi pilot aeroplanes. A massive and expensive over-qualification if all you intend to do is 'aerial work'.
This also means you will have to get a job flying big aeroplanes. In view of the state of the job market, do you really believe you will be able to achieve this?
In addition, you will need to pass all 14 ATPL papers before you get your piece of paper, (as opposed to 9 for the CPL, which also affords you the option of taking your IR later).
If you do ATPL ground school, and later decide you wish to do CPL after all, you will have to obtain the permission of the CAA before you will be allowed to enter for the CPL exams.
These are just my initial thoughts. I suggest you need to get some good advice and think CAREFULLY before you commit yourself.
Very best wishes,
BroomstickPilot.