Dave Thomas: Your say is needed on how Torbay looks in the future

It’s been a few weeks since I last shared an update on Local Government Reorganisation and the next steps for us as a local authority.

As you may recall, our Chief Executive, Anne Marie Bond, and I were invited to meet with Minister Baroness Taylor to discuss LGR in relation  to the Bay. 

That meeting has now taken place, and we were joined by Torbay’s MPs, Steve  Darling and Caroline Voaden. While the discussion was useful, it did not provide any firm  details about Torbay’s future within the reorganisation process.  

To recap, LGR involves changing how local councils are structured and what responsibilities  they hold. The Government’s plan is to move from the current two-tier system of district and  county councils to more unitary councils—single authorities responsible for all local services in  an area. Torbay is already a unitary authority, managing all local services independently. 

The Government’s English Devolution White Paper states a ‘starting point’ for unitary councils  to serve at least 500,000 people. 

However, it also recognises that exceptions may be made to  ensure the system works effectively in each area. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case  basis. In our meeting, we highlighted that Torbay is already a unitary authority, delivering  effective services and managing its finances well. We also outlined our unique circumstances  and the work we’ve undertaken in recent years. 

Although the Minister did not confirm whether Torbay would retain its current status, she did  state that “the Government had not set a minimum floor level for the population size for unitary  councils.” 

This was a key clarification for me and reinforces that decisions will be made based  on each area’s unique circumstances, rather than a rigid population threshold. It’s a helpful  point of focus as we continue our work. 

We will continue collecting the data and evidence needed for our final submission, due in  November. As part of this process, we’ll be engaging with you—starting with the next stage of  consultation, which begins with a new survey launching at the end of this week. We encourage  all residents to look out for the survey and take a few moments to share their views. Your  feedback is vital in helping to shape and strengthen our submission. 

I also wanted to share more details about the upcoming public consultation regarding the  redevelopment of The Strand in Torquay. 

Earlier this year, we shared ambitious plans to  transform Torquay’s harbourside, including the site of the former Debenhams building. This  landmark project is being brought forward by us in partnership with Willmott Dixon and Milligan,  through our established Regeneration partnership. 

The proposed development occupies a prime location overlooking the inner harbour, with  stunning views across the waterfront. 

The scheme will deliver a high-quality, thoughtfully  designed boutique hotel with approximately 150 bedrooms. It will feature a rooftop terrace and  ground-floor spaces for food, drink, and retail opportunities, enhancing the vibrancy of the area. 

This week, the project team met with neighbouring residents and businesses directly affected  by the development to share the proposals and listen to their feedback. Broader public consultation will open on Tuesday July 1, and I encourage you to review the plans and share  your views once they are live. Details and links to the online consultation will be shared via our  

One Torbay newsletter (www.torbay.gov.uk/onetorbay) and on our social media channels. For  those who prefer printed materials, we will ensure paper copies are available as well. 

If you’d like to view the plans in person and speak directly with the project team, they will be  based in one of the shop units on the lower level of Fleet Walk in Torquay. Final dates and  opening times are currently being confirmed, and I will provide an update next week.