New Year, new Local Plan consultation for Torbay

Torbay Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Local Plan, which will guide development in the area for the next 20 years.

The council is seeking residents’ views on key issues and options, covering topics such as housing, climate change, economic growth, local heritage, transport, infrastructure, and public spaces.

Once adopted, the Local Plan will form the legal framework for determining planning applications and will guide neighbourhood plans. The council says this early stage of consultation is the best opportunity for the public to influence the plan.

To support engagement, Torbay Council is holding a series of drop-in sessions over the next two weeks: Torquay Town Hall Banking Hall on Thursday 8 January, Paignton Library Foyer on Tuesday 13 January, and Brixham Scala Hall on Thursday 15 January. Online one-hour sessions will also be held on Wednesday 7 and Wednesday 14 January.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: “We’ve focused as much development as possible on previously developed and brownfield sites, alongside our ‘Hotels to Homes’ initiative to provide smaller dwellings for local people. These approaches aim to direct significant development away from greenfield areas. We encourage everyone to attend our public sessions, speak to the team and have their say.”

The council emphasises that, despite potential changes from Local Government Reorganisation in 2026, having a local plan in place is crucial to avoid speculative development, particularly on greenfield sites.

The consultation opened on Friday 28 November 2025 and runs until Monday 26 January 2026. Residents can take part and view full details at www.torbay.gov.uk/consultations .