Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan 2025 Online Version and Consultation

Support

Representation ID: 1136

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Broadly support the strategic approach of Policy H2 in designating specific Future Growth Areas. Concentrating inevitable expansion into managed, masterplanned zones is a far superior alternative to the sporadic 'planning by appeal' that threatens our landscape. Particularly pleased to see that these areas are required to deliver a higher proportion of affordable family homes and coordinated infrastructure. However, support remains contingent on these developments being genuinely landscape-led; the 'Green Infrastructure' and ecological buffers promised in the policy must be treated as essential requirements rather than optional extras, ensuring that Torquay’s expansion respects our environmental limits See Responses to Table 4 in NF Housing Sites submission

Support

Representation ID: 1137

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Flag that the Meadfoot Beach car‑park site (Policy H3) conflicts with heritage and coastal policies and should not be used for residential development.

H3T.15 Meadfoot Beach car park is in the Lincombes CA. Development of this site will contravene CAA policies and will contradict Strategic Priority 4 Protect Torbay’s Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage. See also comments on Policy ER7 (Coastal Change Management Areas) and L3 (Coastal landscape and change management), as H3T.15 is within both these areas. These policies prohibit residential development in the ER7 areas and limit to exceptional cases in the L3 areas. See Responses to Table 5 in NF Housing Sites submission

Support

Representation ID: 1138

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Need to add “High density will not be supported in rural villages, or where highways and drainage infrastructure is limited” Also inappropriate in some conservation areas – around the harbour for example. Policy is far too vague: Policy uses too much discretionary language (“may”, “agreed”, “robustly justified”). Clear thresholds will help avoid increased car dependency and support sustainable outcomes. Huge difference between 30 and 50 dph – needs better policy definitions

Support

Representation ID: 1139

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Support Policy H5 and its commitment to ensuring that residential conversions in Torquay provide high-quality, sustainable homes. The insistence that all conversions provide fully self-contained living accommodation is vital for moving away from the substandard "bedsit" models of the past. Mandating that units meet Nationally Described Space Standards and provide adequate natural light and ventilation, is key. Furthermore, the requirements for integrated bin and cycle storage are essential to prevent the "visual clutter" that often degrades our historic streetscapes and Conservation Areas, ensuring that urban densification does not come at the cost of Torquay's unique character .Reference to Policy H10 is needed to conversion to HMOs is managed correctly.

Support

Representation ID: 1140

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Protects Torquay’s permanent housing supply. In a coastal town where the pressure for short-term holiday rentals and commercial conversions is high, we must have robust safeguards to prevent the loss of homes for local people. Maintaining the integrity of our residential neighborhoods is essential for social stability and the viability of local services. Particularly value the policy’s strict criteria for exceptions, ensuring that our existing housing stock is only sacrificed when there is a clear and significant benefit to the wider community

Support

Representation ID: 1141

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

-Need stronger direction for on site. Should this be invoked for >10 rather than >14.
- Is there some way of ensuring they can be limited to local residents in need rather than becoming second homes?
- Early delivery should be mandatory rather than ‘encouraged’.

Support

Representation ID: 1142

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Require Policy H8 to include drainage and flood‑risk assessments as adverse impacts.

Support

Representation ID: 1143

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Need to add that Design should be compatible with the characteristics of the area, and meet drainage requirements

Support

Representation ID: 1144

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Strongly endorse the restrictive measures set out regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Given the historical issues with poor-quality shared housing in Torquay, Fully support the policy’s focus on preventing over-concentration and protecting the amenity of existing residential neighborhoods. It is our firm view that the Council should prioritise the creation of fully self-contained flats over shared HMOs to ensure a higher standard of living and greater social stability. By enforcing strict thresholds and demanding high management standards, Policy H10 provides a necessary safeguard against the further degradation of our housing stock and the social fabric of our community. Document states “Applications for new buildings or sub-division of existing buildings into non-self contained residential accommodation (HMOs) will only be permitted where the following criteria are met…”. Change “will” to “shall”

Support

Representation ID: 1145

Received: 01/02/2026

Respondent: Torquay Neighbourhood Forum (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Measure 5 –‘easy reach’ should be better defined. Support Policy H11 and its focus on providing a diverse range of specialist housing. Given Torbay's aging demographic, it is essential that we move beyond traditional care homes and prioritise 'Extra Care' and adaptable housing that promotes lifelong independence. Particularly endorse the 'right-sizing' approach, which provides attractive options for older residents to downsize while simultaneously freeing up family-sized housing elsewhere. By insisting that specialist housing is built in sustainable, well-connected locations, this policy ensures that our most vulnerable residents remain integrated within the community and have easy access to the services they need