Torbay Local Plan Regulation 19 Publication Version and Consultation

Support

Representation ID: 3451

Received: 23/09/2026

Respondent: National Highways (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Strategic Policy TAS: ‘Transport Vision and Hierarchy’ sets out the plans vision-led approach to transport and place-making. ‘Development proposals will be supported where they apply a vision-led approach to transport and place-making, contributing to the achievement of the Transport Vision, providing high quality, safe, healthy and accessible places’. This is welcome.

Comment

Representation ID: 3452

Received: 23/09/2026

Respondent: National Highways (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Housing and Employment Targets
The scale of the growth included in the plan is modest; the plan allows for a total of 8,000 homes and 80,000 sq m of employment space over a 20 year period between 2025 and 2045. This equates to 400 homes per year on average which represents an approximately 12% increase in housing stock. However, it is noted that this is less than half of the Local Housing Need derived using the Governments standard method. If, at Examination, an increase in the housing provision is considered, e.g. double the proposed housing targets, this would trigger a need for a more detailed assessment of the impact on the role and function of the SRN. See NH’s current position on likely impact on the SRN. We accept that it is reasonable to assume that in broad terms, travel demand within Torbay District would increase proportionately with population growth but the ageing population coupled with the strategic priorities relevant to travel should result in peak period travel demand being slightly less than this. Further afield, the effect of growth in Torbay district on traffic growth would diminish with distance. Census travel to work patterns suggest that less than 20% of travel to work trips would be to Exeter/Plymouth.

Comment

Representation ID: 3453

Received: 23/09/2026

Respondent: National Highways (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Strategic Priority 3 relates to transport and connectivity. Encouraging active travel, providing mode choice and reducing/minimising the need to travel and necessary journey length through detailed planning, broadband connectivity, are all welcome. We also acknowledge that the plan accepts that a review will be required five years from adoption.