Latest News From Torbay Civic Society

Our most prestigious award, a Certificate of Merit, has been awarded to Sanctuary Housing in partnership with Torbay Council, for their construction of Dunboyne Court, St Marychurch Road, Torquay. The certificate was the first awarded to any new development since 2006.

In December 2011 Torbay Council unanimously turned down our Chairman's application for Village Green status put in in the Society's name. Thankfully Torre Meadow being about one half of the proposed Village Green sought is protected by Ancient Monument Site Status which ranks higher than a Village Green in protection terms. Following the Council decision no further action will now be taken regarding the other half of the planned Green currently occupied by the Italianate Gardens, the Balloon, the Pitch and Putt and the Bowling Green.

Final arrangements have now been completed for the unveiling of a Rossiters family Blue Plaque to be unveiled at their former department store in Palace Avenue Paignton on March 31st 2012. See our Events for further details

At the most recent public exhibition held at Churston Grammar School residents were able to see and discuss the latest proposals for this site which included an alternative private plan for a new clubhouse with apartments above. The Society have always understood the objectors were more concerned about the increase in traffic on the Brixham Road than the intrusion into an area of natural beauty if the Bloor Development went ahead. The final proposals were submitted to Torbay Council in the latter part of 2011 and are expected to go before the Planning and Councillors early in 2012.

In our latest 'Newsbrief 24/11' the Society have asked for some clarity on how the Mayor, Gordon Oliver, sees Torbay developing in the next decade. Are we to build on our Geopark status, or perhaps like Blackpool, become a gamblers paradise or perhaps a retirement area, a target for second home owners, or remain a visitor attraction - a resort, or a playground of leisure. The Society believes that we cannot be all things to all people and there has to be some guidance from our leader on what the future holds for those who live here or work here.

Having written to the Mayor and the Planning Department about the proposal for derelict and abandoned buildings to be considered for community use, the Society are still awaiting a reply. Interestingly English Heritage have also issued a new document entitled 'Stop the Rot' and the Society have passed this information on to both the Mayor and the Planning Department.