Issue details

Torbay Local Plan 2025-45

 

 

Publication of the Local Plan for formal “Regulation 19 Publication” consultation August-September 2026.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Policy Framework;

Decision status: For Determination

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 23/06/2026

Decision due: 21 Jul 2026 by Cabinet

Decision due: 23 Jul 2026 by Council

Lead member: Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth and Deputy Leader of the Council

Lead director: Director of Pride in Place

Contact: David Pickhaver Email: david.pickhaver@torbay.gov.uk.

Consultation process

The Local Plan has been through three rounds of consultations at the less formal "Regulation 18" stage (in January and December 2022) and between November 2025 and February 2026.


The next required step is to publish the Local Plan for formal "Regulation 19" 6 week consultation. Following this, it will return to full Council in late 2026 for approval for submission to the Secretary of State for Examination.

Consultees

There are a wide range of consultees for local plans, and there can be high levels of public interest in particular site allocations.  The Local Plan has several "Statutory Consultees", which include Natural England, The Environment Agency and Historic England.

Reason for inclusion in Forward Plan: To set out a framework to guide the use of land in the public interest. To provide a framework that supports the council's regeneration and accommodation repurposing programmes. The provide policies on developer contributions towards infrastructure.

Key Risks: The Local Plan is subject to legal tests of promoting Sustainable Development and Soundness (paragraphs 11 and 36 of the (2024) NPPF. The key challenge is that Torbay cannot meet the Government's Local Housing Need Figure of 972 dwellings per year. The Council will need to show robust evidence that it has strong reasons to resist the scale of development and has undertaken a "no stone left unturned" approach to finding housing land.

If you want to make representations contact:: David Pickhaver, Principal Strategy and Project Management, Torbay Council, Town Hall, Castle Circus, Torquay, david.pickhaver@torbay.gov.uk

 

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