Paignton ‘eyesore’ demolition plan splits town

Plans to demolish one of Torbay’s worst eyesores have been lodged with Torbay Council.

Supporters say knocking down dilapidated buildings in Paignton’s Station Square is the only way forward, but opponents claim they are worth saving and redeveloping.

In a social media post the objectors say: “Are we really prepared to see yet another hole torn into the heart of Paignton? Don’t we have enough of those already?”

Property development company Solanki Holdings wants to knock down 62-70 Victoria Street, a group of buildings opposite the town’s railway station. A pub, shops, a former nightclub and some unoccupied flats will all go.

Above: How a restored Station Square in Paignton could look. Image: Chris Harvey/Action For Paignton

Neglected for many years, the buildings have given rise to ‘structural concerns’, according to the demolition application by the company. In 2023 passers-by had a lucky escape when large pieces of masonry fell to the pavement below.

Eventually, Solanki Holdings wants to create a development called Victoria Heights, with apartments on the upper floors and commercial units below. It says it needs to demolish the buildings, and has applied for permission to get started.

A report from structural engineers the John Grimes Partnership says water has got into the buildings, which are deteriorating rapidly. There is a danger of more masonry falls.

A public consultation by a company called Mode Architects saw the ‘overwhelming majority’ of 38 responses from local households expressing their dislike for the existing structure.

A group dedicated to saving the facade of the buildings has taken to social media, saying: “This is rewarding ‘demolition by neglect’, and we have very little time left to stop it.

Above: Image posted online by objectors to the Paignton Station Square demolition. Image: Action For Paignton

“The developer claims the buildings beyond economic repair, but is that the full story or just a convenient excuse to justify demolition?”

The group says the proposed development is in a significant town centre conservation area and its facade should be saved. “If we don’t act now, another piece of Paignton’s history will be lost forever,” the social media post goes on. “Let’s stand together to protect Paignton’s history before it’s too late.”

Public opinion on the demolition proposal is split. Of 52 comments lodged on the council’s planning website by Wednesday, 12 March, 31 were objections and 21 were in support.

One supporter said: “It’s such a delight to see this building being demolished! It’s a let down to my beautiful town of Paignton. If anything it’s embarrassing.”

But an objector wrote: “If planning permission is granted, yet another part of Paignton’s architectural and historical identity will be lost forever. I urge Torbay Council to reject the demolition proposal in favour of preserving the town’s heritage.”

The Station Square area is in line for a major redevelopment in the coming years, funded by government ‘levelling-up’ money. Last year local pressure group Action For Paignton released an image showing how a restored Station Square could look.

Several years ago Torbay Council considered making a compulsory purchase of 62-70 Victoria Street so that redevelopment could begin.