Conservation Areas in Torbay under attack – fight back now!

The Torquay Neighbourhood Plan Forum solicitor has examined the evidence and they have identified that there are irregularities in the Planning processes, Officer reports and incorrect advice was given to Councillors. There is sufficient evidence for a Judicial Review of the decision process.

Torbay contains 24 designated Conservation areas:  16 in Torquay, 4 in Paignton, 4 in Brixham

The Torquay Neighbourhood Plan Forum along with St Marychurch Community Partnership have obtained information that Planning Acts for Conservation areas are being deliberately ignored and as a consequence Planning Applications in Conservation Areas have been given approval based on incorrect reports to Councillors and illegal decision have been made. 

We believe that this is the ‘tip of the iceberg’.

Who are we? 

The Torquay Neighbourhood Forum and St. Marychurch Community Partnership are bravely challenging a recent Torbay Council planning committee decision for a huge block of flats at 213, St. Marychurch Road lying in a designated Conservation Area. The decision of the Panel was in contravention of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990  and is therefore illegal.

If this goes through unchallenged then all Conservation Areas in Torbay are under threat of inappropriate development. 

Do you CARE about the rich urban character and heritage in Torbay?

If these illegal practices are not challenged then Torbay’s Conservation areas will lose their unique rich character and inappropriate designs for new properties will continue to be allowed, even in the face of many objections including Historic England.  Eventually, the protection of Conservation status will be eroded and they might be withdrawn leaving all conservation areas in Torbay vulnerable.

Our case:

We want the reversal of a recent planning decision by Torbay Council, and thereby future recognition of the recently set in law policies of the Torquay Neighbourhood Plan and Planning Act for Conservation Areas (1978). To enforce these lawful guidelines for planners and councillors.     

Judicial Reviews are expensive.  We are hoping that the people of Torbay, and beyond will support our Crowd Funding for the initial £5,000 needed to start a legal challenge to illegal practises within Torbay.   

Thanks for your generous donation.