Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan 2025 Online Version and Consultation

Support

Representation ID: 1146

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Support the protections set out in Policy H12 regarding the preservation and improvement of residential and nursing care accommodation. As Torquay’s population ages, we cannot afford to lose high-quality care beds to general residential conversions. Particularly value the policy’s insistence that new care facilities must be located in sustainable, integrated areas rather than isolated locations. By ensuring that these homes provide high-quality communal spaces and sensory gardens, the policy places the dignity and wellbeing of residents at the heart of the planning process, ensuring Torquay remains a supportive environment for its most vulnerable citizens.

Support

Representation ID: 1147

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Living Coasts should be identified to develop something that supports this policy although a lot of people like the idea of an open air theatre as its current layout would support this. The policy itself seems good: its focus on revitalising Torbay’s marine and coastal economy. It’s vital that we protect dedicated maritime employment land from being lost to general development. By balancing the expansion of marine leisure and tourism with strict environmental protections for our Marine Protected Area, Policy E3 ensures that Torquay can grow its maritime economy without compromising the natural beauty and biodiversity that make the English Riviera unique. However, we are concerned about the suggestion of an extension to Torquay Harbour in view of the protected eel grass beds that are homes to the seahorse population.

Support

Representation ID: 1148

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Support Policy TO1 and the clear designation of Core Tourism Investment Areas. Protecting our prime waterfront and coastal strips from residential encroachment is vital for maintaining Torquay’s identity as a premier resort.

Support

Representation ID: 1149

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Support Policy TO2 and its pragmatic approach to the changing tourism market. While it is important to protect our best hotels, we must also address the issue of unviable or derelict guest houses that can blight our residential streets. Particularly endorse the requirement for developers to restore buildings to their original historic form as part of any conversion. This ensures that the loss of a tourism business results in a 'heritage win' for Torquay, replacing cluttered facades with high quality, sympathetic homes. It is just a pity that the Council is not currently demonstrating this – Brampton for example

Support

Representation ID: 1150

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Para. 4.55 supports retaining the site of the former Palace Hotel for a new hotel. HOWEVER Policy Statement TO3 taken at face value supports redevelopment of the site for housing. The Policy Statement itself should make clearer that there will be exceptions to the general policy The following text should be added: “The change of use or redevelopment of holiday accommodation or facilities outside Core Tourism Investment Areas shall not be supported where the accommodation offered a range of facilities not available elsewhere in the area or it would cause loss of access to open areas previously used by the public (e.g. hotel grounds)

Support

Representation ID: 1151

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Include flood‑risk impact as a criterion in Policy TO5 for new holiday parks and extensions.

Support

Representation ID: 1152

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Support Policy TC1 and the Council’s 'Town Centre
First' approach. Protecting the vitality of Torquay’s
high street is essential for our local economy and
sense of community. Particularly endorse the shift
toward a more diverse mix of uses.

Support

Representation ID: 1153

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Needs to be strategic focus on Fleet Street as the primary retail hub and heart of Torquay Town Centre that prioritises independent retailers, giving our town a distinct 'point of difference' from generic out-of-town shopping. Support the integration of art and cultural offers into the high street; and a programme of events and activities to support local businesses in the town centre. Furthermore, endorse the plan for environmental enhancements that reflect our unique maritime and waterfront character. By bridging the gap between the Harbour and the high street through high-quality design and cultural activity

Support

Representation ID: 1154

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Need verification that proposals are viable. For Maidencombe, the shop there closed in 1995 due to lack of viability. The nearby shop in Stokeinteignhead closed and is now a Community Shop that struggles to survive. While regenerating the main town centre is a priority, the Council must ensure that this does not come at the expense of our neighbourhood hubs, which provide essential services and a unique, independent retail character that many residents prefer. Endorse the protection of these local centres, acknowledging that they offer a vital 'point of difference'—often with more accessible parking and lower overheads for small businesses. There is clearly room for both a vibrant primary heart in Fleet Street, and around the Harbour and a thriving network of local neighbourhood shops; the Plan must ensure that one complements the other, protecting the social fabric and convenience of our local communities.

Support

Representation ID: 1155

Received: 01/02/2026

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

Support the nuanced approach in Policies TC6 TC10. It is vital that we protect the unique character and free-parking convenience of our out of-town centres, which provide essential services and a home for independent businesses that might otherwise be priced out of the TC. Furthermore, support the use of Policy TC10 to drive environmental enhancements that bridge the visual gap between our waterfront and the retail heart.