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
The Society support the latest proposals for a new small Sainsburys in town store together with new retail units and some housing on the site of what once was the General Accident Insurance building. Derelict for over a decade and with the car park behind it unused this site has been a blight for St Marychurch for far too long.
Planning permission having been given Torch Property Solutions acting on behalf of Landowners Freshwater Group are seeking tenders and hope to commence work in May or June 2012.
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 and Abbey Place open space. Awaiting site of final plans
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 private apartments. The current developers have submitted their plans which the Society support and are awaiting the decision of Torbay Council and Planning
Against the Proposal
A private Trust has been formed to try and purchase the Ark Royal which the Council has endorsed. The proposal would see the ship scuttled and sunk somewhere in deep water off Tor Bay so that divers from around the world could visit the vessel. The Society take the view that this much loved ship would make a wonderful visitor attraction if permanently moored off our coast. We would not support the idea of sinking the ship and are concerned that the on costs for Torbay Council could be significant.
Support the Proposal
Proposed multi purpose development involving shops, restaurant, and a Hilton hotel and private apartments have been agreed by Torbay Council.
The Society are still in support of the new development which will see a complete new retail shopping scene at ground floor level on Torwood Street. Access to The Terrace via a new steps is an inherent part of the new development.
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
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. At a public meeting held in January 2011 the Managing Director of Midas homes confirmed that no further action would be taken until a full quantified risk assessment had been carried out to hopefully satisfy the current objections. This has now been done and the final decision to go forward now lies in the hands of Eric Pickles MP Minister for Planning,Environment and Conservation
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.
The plans include a state of the art maritime centre, new cafe/bar, leisure centre and a visitor centre. Further news is awaited
Support the Proposal
Proposals to develop the land between the Theatre and the Pavilion have been abandoned. Repairs to the promenade and banjo areas have been authorised by Torbay Council and will likely cost about £800k
Two new proposals were shown at a public meeting held at the IRCC (Conference Centre) to seek feedback from the public before final plans are drawn up. One of the developer's plans links to our item re Beacon Quay.
Paignton
Support the Proposal
The present derelict Torbay Cinema - a listed building - is currently being looked at as a refurbished picture house by the National Trust. In partnership with Devon Historic Buildings Trust the NT hope to save this building and give it a new multi purpose use.
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
The third Premier Inn for Torbay is currently under construction at White Rock and although the Society did not oppose construction we were concerned that the White Rock area had been designated as a future business park rather than another retail store or warehouse (shed).
Support the Proposal
The present Sainsbury store on the Paignton ring road is to be demolished and replaced with a much larger replacement store when the car parking area will be underneath rather than at the side of the store. Having had site of the plans the Society have no objection to the enlarged store although have suggested a more attractive entrance would be preferred.
Support the Proposal
Amended new plans have now been submitted following extensive consultation with the private sector. Oldway Mansion forms the central feature of the new plans and this will become high class hotel together with the Rotunda building forming the majority of the bedrooms. The new plans show a new reception building together with houses, new indoor bowling club whilst retaining most of the open garden areas on the estate.
Plans have been submitted to the Council Planners and the Society are in support.
During the summer months we have learned that the developer Akkeron will be signing a contract to take over the lease on this project although no specific timescale for start of either demolition or rebuild has been suggested. The Society believe that a substantial sum of money should be put forward to guarantee the development within a time scale which could be used for the ongoing maintenance required. We are also concerned that should the Council staff be vacated from the mansion itself sufficient security and heating is provided to ensure the building does not deteriorate before being developed.
No Opinion - Awaiting further details
Following the success of Dunboyne Court in Torquay, via Sanctuary Homes Ltd, a second lifestyle complex is to be built at Hayes Road Paignton. Final plans are yet to be submitted to Torbay Council and this Society awaits further news regarding the final proposals.
Brixham
