New bid for homes at Torbay planning storm site

Revised plans for homes on a hotly-contested site in Torquay are continuing to divide local opinion.

Local firm OJ Developments has submitted amended plans for seven apartments on land at Singleton Gardens off Meadfoot Sea Road. 

The latest proposals come after a government inspector dismissed an appeal from the developer against a previous refusal by Torbay Council planners.

Now the latest version of the plans has attracted 25 supporters on the council’s website and 20 objectors.

Singleton Gardens is a rare Victorian walled garden in the Lincombes Conservation Area, and has attracted high-profile interventions during years of contentious planning battles.

Described by English Heritage as an ‘unusual survivor’ as a 19th-century villa kitchen garden, it has been the subject of previous proposals for nine apartments and two houses in 2021, and seven apartments in 2023 – a proposal which was refused by the council. 

It has also been the site of angry exchanges between developers and protesters, as well as allegations of unauthorised demolition work having been carried out on the site.

The developer now says the scheme has been revised to take on board the comments made during the appeal by the official planning inspector, whose decision rested on the fact that the development might risk harming an important mature tree on the site.

The latest application says: “The scheme is now compliant with planning policy, having addressed the reason determined as being the major considerations in the appeal decision.”

Among the objectors is Torbay councillor Hazel Foster (Con, Wellswood) who says: “I do not recognise any changes in this new application that would determine a different decision if it was before the inspectorate again.

“Torbay Council has housing targets, but building of new homes should be on suitable sites, not in conservation areas or on land with a recognised heritage and historic value, otherwise why have policies in place to protect such areas?

“This is the wrong site for this application.”

Another objector says: “I cannot quite believe that the developer has made another application when he has not changed anything in it. The seven flats remain, the building is the same. It was rejected last time – it will be rejected this time.”

And the Torbay Heritage Trust describes the design as ‘Neo-Brutalist, deficient in elegance and beauty. Unbelievably alien.”

But supporters say it will help meet Torbay’s well-publicised housing needs.

One says: “The area has been crying out for something like this. It will provide more affordable housing for locals as well as job opportunities for local trades.”

Another writes: “The bay is crying out for more houses for local people in the area, so rejecting it seems insane! I appreciate that it's a sensitive issue for some, however, the site is an eyesore.”

And another says: “The applicant has clearly listened to and acted upon the inspector’s comments from the recent appeal. The entrance has been sensibly repositioned, and two units have been removed from the previously refused scheme, resulting in a reduced and more appropriate level of development for the site.

“The proposed design is attractive and complementary to the character of the conservation area.”