Torbay Local Plan Regulation 19 Publication Version and Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 3308

Received: 24/09/2026

Respondent: Devon Wildlife Trust (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

The policy is weakened by the use of the word ‘should’ e.g. ‘Development should deliver child-friendly GBI’ and ‘Development should have regard, where appropriate, to relevant national guidance’. This word should be removed from the policy and replaced with ‘must’ or ‘will be required to’.
‘Long-term stewardship, management, and funding for the upkeep of new and existing GBI must be secured, with Torbay Council seeking adoption of GBI provided through development’ is missing reference to monitoring. This should be replaced with ‘Long-term stewardship, management, monitoring and funding arrangements must be secured for the lifetime of the development and be proportionate to the scale and function of the Green and Blue Infrastructure provided’.
Reference to dark corridors is missing from this policy. Additional text should be included, for example ‘GBI must protect, create and maintain dark corridors and connected habitat networks, particularly where required to support Greater Horseshoe Bats and other light-sensitive species.

Comment

Representation ID: 3309

Received: 24/09/2026

Respondent: Devon Wildlife Trust (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

The ‘Quality of Public Space’ section is missing reference to nature. Additional text should be included: ‘Creation of nature-rich public open spaces that benefit both wildlife and local communities’.

Comment

Representation ID: 3310

Received: 24/09/2026

Respondent: Devon Wildlife Trust (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

“delivers high-quality restoration and after-use, conserving and enhancing landscape character, historic assets, and geodiversity, including the significance of the UNESCO Geopark;” is missing reference to nature. Reference to biodiversity should be included.