YMCA plans for prominent Paignton site

One of Paignton’s most prominent waterfront buildings could soon be providing much needed homes for local young people.

The three-storey building in Cliff Road, known as Ravenswood, has been used as a base by the Paignton Sea Anglers Association for the last 40 years. It overlooks Paignton harbour and has views across Tor Bay.

However, membership has reduced, and the building is now too big for the sea anglers, who say selling it will secure the club’s long-term future.

Earlier this year it was up for sale with a guide price of £550,000.

When it meets next week, Torbay Council’s planning committee will see a proposal from the YMCA to turn Ravenswood into two flats and a maisonette. The flats will be for single occupancy while the maisonette will be occupied by six individuals sharing a living room, kitchen and toilet while having individual en-suite bedrooms.

The property would be run by YMCA Exeter as affordable housing at social rents. It would be operated as supported accommodation for young people between 18 and 25 with a direct connection to Torbay.

There was disappointment recently for the YMCA when the planning committee rejected a proposal to create supported accommodation by converting a guest house and holiday flatlets in nearby Sands Road.

Members are being recommended to give the Ravenswood plan the go-ahead. A total of 36 objections have been received from local people on grounds including potential anti-social behaviour, noise, disturbance and impact on Paignton’s Holocaust Memorial Garden and Burma Star Garden, both of which are alongside the property.