Planning Overview – What we do at the local level
The Torbay Civic Society Committee regularly monitor the local Council’s public planning notices to watch for any changes that might effect the built heritage, open green spaces, parks or the environment.
Where there is a concern about some change of use, the demolition of a building or a new build that is seen as important in heritage terms to the area, the Committee will put their views before the Planning Committee in order that this can be taken into consideration at the time the Council makes any firm decision. Members of the Committee also meet with Planning Officers from time to time and will undertake site visits where this is deemed necessary. Obviously if the proposed planning issue is highly controversial, in addition to the above action the society will use the media to put forward its views to the general public.
Members of the Civic Society are regularly updated on any actions taken on their behalf by the Committee, firstly by direct information given at our Society events and secondly using the members’ Newsbrief publication which is issued two or three times a year. Sometimes, especially where public land is involved, the Committee will create a survey form for circulation to its members in order to get written confirmation of their opinion on any given subject.
In extreme cases where a planning decision is taken which seems to fly in the face of all that Torbay stands for, the Committee may take legal advice, use the Ombudsman or put in an official appeal for consideration by the local Planning Committee. In two instances during recent years the Committee have challenged Torbay Council on whether or not Covenants put in place by past benefactors can be over ridden without there being full consultation with the electorate. In these many ways the monitoring of planning matters form a crucial, if not a major, part of the formal activities of this Society.
Local Planning Updates
Torquay
Support the Proposal
Complete demolition of the Palm Court Hotel in order that a new iconic building can be built on the site giving hotel rooms, public restaurant and apartments
One of the partners in the consortium of this project has recently become insolvent and our later understanding is that a new partner is being sought. Hopefully this project which has already been given planning permission and received the support of our society will still see the development going ahead later in 2010.
Support the Proposal
Proposed multi purpose development involving shops, cinema, restaurant, hotel and apartments provided demolition of the numerous shops is allowed.
The initial plans for this very large iconic building were turned down by Torbay Council following some concerns by English Heritage. New plans are now being drawn up by local architects Kay Elliott and our understanding is that the new concept for a much reduced building is being seen by planners as more acceptable. The restaurant, cinema and hotel aspects are all part of the new plan although some of the permanent accommodation and public areas and shops have been lost.
The Society are still in support although the final plans will be subject to a further decision of its committee.
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
Torbay Council has organised a public consultation event to launch its latest proposals for the regeneration of new office in central Torquay as part of the Civic Hub, Town Hall and Castle Circus project. The proposed business centre will create 40,000 square feet of new office space and car parking and an exhibition is being held on March 2nd at the Assembly Rooms. (See news page)
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
Plans are progressing towards the updating of Oddicombe Beach and its facilities now that the local community have formed a Trust to run the cliff railway.
Local traders and residents are being targetted to get views on how the development of Oddicombe Beach might best be progressed.
The recent 5000 ton landslide during mid February 2010 has done little to help the updating of the beach and the hope is that this most important amenity will not go the way of Ansteys Cove and Redgate beach.
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
The second stage of renovations of the Abbey is still dependent upon a Heritage Lottery Fund bid of just under £3m the decision of which is, we believe, still awaited.
The second phase would see further restoration to the Abbey including a new roof and repairs to the important archaelogical ruins behind the mansion.
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
Proposals to develop the land between the Theatre and the Pavilion. A requirement is that the developer would ensure that the sea wall was made safe and undertake the costs of such as part of the planning agreement
The promenade and banjo areas have been closed since 2005 because of safety concerns.
Tormohun Community Partnership to hold a meeting on 22nd Feb at which a developer will put forward ideas and ask for feedback from the public
Support the Proposal
During 2008 proposals were put forward to convert the Toll House on Torre Abbey sands into an entrance for a new restaurant and up market bistro that would be attached and behind the existed listed building. The Toll House has been derelict for too many years and provided it is retained but used in a modern way the Society believe this grade II listed limestone cottage would at least have a function in the 21st century.
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
Beacon Quay & Car Park, Torquay – redevelopment proposed for hotel/apartments which would probably see the loss of the public car park
Support the Proposal
Lincombe Hall Hotel, Torquay – Hotel Company went into liquidation but new owners intend to re-open this as a family hotel
Against the Proposal
Proposed housing development on what was an old gas works site which will include high quality houses or a large apartment building. Prior to any building the site will need to be cleaned of any toxic waste
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
Proposals for this are at an early stage although it is likely that there would be some demolition and the building of a new hotel
Against the Proposal
Proposed plan for an Aztec style golf course on the Esplanade side of the Italianate Gardens on Torre Abbey Meadow
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
Expansion of Torquay Town Hall to encompass the rear of the library building and Lymington Road car park. The proposal incorporates a supermarket on part of the site and additional offices to accommodate upwards of 100 staff who will move from Oldway Mansion
Paignton
Support the Proposal
A change of use with a mixture of houses, apartment and ancillary offices to be built in order that sufficient monies are generated to refurbish Oldway Mansion and the Rotunda buildings
Support the Proposal
A large new complex on Station Lane being built to encompass Community projects including a new library
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
A youth project entitled 'My Place' - proposed new building on the site of the old Council Garden nurseries for use as a walk-in centre with Parkfield House to be used to provide residential accommodation for young people
Against the Proposal
Development of a large Adventure Playground for children on the Middle Green of Paignton sea front on the East side of the Apollo Cinema complex
Support the Proposal
The planned next stage in the development of South Devon College
Brixham
Against the Proposal
Change of use is being sought for new housing to be built on what has been a public open space. Developers are currently appealing
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
Following the purchase of this complex by Park Holidays (UK) the renewal of the static homes and clubhouse is sought provided the overall numbers can be increased. Brixham Town Council voted against the application, however Torbay Council,Planning, on 22nd February agreed the application subject to various conditions.
