An apology for absence were received from Councillor Pentney.

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Conservative Group, the membership of the Committee had been amended to include Councillor Bye in place of Councillor Strang.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 3 March 2025.

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 March 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Change of use of land for the temporary erection and operation of 45m high observation wheel and ancillary development, for four seasonal years (between the period of March to October 2025-2028).

The Committee considered an application for the change of use of land for the temporary erection and operation of 45m high observation wheel and ancillary development, for four seasonal years (between the period of March to October 2025-2028).

Prior to the meeting, written representations were available on the Council’s website.  The Chairman read out a representation received on behalf of the Torquay Neighbourhood Forum in support of the application.  Jon Pope addressed the Committee in support of the application.

At the meeting the Planning Officer advised, that since the report had been published, three further letters of representation had been received from Torbay Heritage Trust objecting to the application on the grounds of the appearance of green spaces and protecting heritage assets.

Resolved (unanimously):

Approved subject to:

1.    prior to the grant of planning permission, a ‘Conservation Mitigation Obligation’ to the sum of £110,000 be secured through a legal agreement, for improvement works identified within the committee Princess Gardens Masterplan Report Update, for the Registered Park and Garden;

2.    the planning conditions as set out in the submitted report with the final drafting of conditions, delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency; and

3.    the resolution of any new material considerations that may come to light following the Planning Committee to be delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency, including the addition of any necessary further planning conditions or obligations.