Penn Lane, Brixham Consultation

About this consultation

Torbay Council is preparing an outline planning application for a new residential development on this site. Before submitting the application, we are seeking feedback from the community to help shape the proposals.

The consultation is open until Wednesday 29 July.

Why we are consulting

We are proposing to develop the site to provide up to 14 high-quality affordable homes, alongside:

• On-site parking for residents and visitors
• Secure cycle storage
• Landscaping and outdoor space
• Access from Penn Lane

There is a significant need for affordable housing in Torbay, particularly for one- and two-bedroom homes. Currently, only around 8% of homes locally are affordable, compared with approximately 18% nationally.

This project aims to help meet local housing needs, especially for:

• Local workers
• Young people
• Smaller households
• Older residents looking to downsize

Affordable homes will be prioritised for people with a local connection to Brixham, in line with the Neighbourhood Plan.

The site

The proposed development site is located on unused land within an established residential area near Penn Lane.

Key site considerations

Before developing proposals, we assessed the site to understand opportunities and constraints:

• The site is at low risk of flooding, but drainage will be carefully managed
• It sits within a residential neighbourhood, meaning design must respect surrounding homes
• Existing planting helps screen the site from views
• The land has been unused for many years, offering an opportunity for regeneration

We are proposing improved drainage using sustainable methods to allow rainwater to soak naturally into the ground.

Our proposals

We are proposing a two-storey residential building providing a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats.

Key features

• Up to 14 affordable homes
• Two-storey building, with some homes within the roof space
• 15 parking spaces (including visitor provision)
• Secure cycle storage
• Energy-efficient homes
• Landscaping and outdoor areas

The building has been carefully positioned to fit comfortably within the site and surrounding street.

Have your say

We would welcome your feedback on these proposals.

Complete the online form

Share your views by completing the online consultation form.

Drop-in event

Come to Torbay Council’s drop-in event where you can visit any time during the event opening hours. At the event you will be able to view the proposals, speak with the project team and provide feedback. Paper copies of the consultation form will be available at this event.

You will still be able to submit comments online after the exhibition has taken place, up until the consultation closes on 29 July 2026.

The details are:

• Date: Thursday 16 July 2026
• Time: 3pm to 7.30pm
• Location: Scala Hall, Brixham Town Council, New Road, TQ5 8TA

All feedback will be reviewed and used to help refine the proposals before submission.

Design approach

Our design has been shaped by the surrounding area to ensure the development integrates well into the neighbourhood.

Key design principles

• Reflect the character of nearby homes
• Maintain a modest two-storey scale
• Provide well-designed living spaces with:
  • Good natural light
  • Practical layouts
  • Comfortable living standards

All homes will meet recognised space standards to ensure quality.

Access, parking and movement

The development will be accessed from Penn Lane using the existing site entrance.

• Safe access for vehicles and pedestrians
• Internal layout designed for easy movement, including refuse and emergency vehicles
• Parking located at the front of the building
• Secure cycle storage to encourage sustainable travel

Parking provision includes:

• One space per home
• Additional visitor parking

Environment and biodiversity

We are committed to enhancing biodiversity as part of the development.

Proposals are expected to include:

• New native planting
• Additional trees and hedgerows
• Areas of open space
• Potential green roofs on smaller structures

Detailed landscaping plans will be developed at a later stage of the planning process.

Planning process

This proposal will be submitted as an outline planning application.

This means:

• The principle of development, access and scale will be considered first
• Detailed design (appearance, layout and landscaping) will follow in later “Reserved Matters” applications

Timeline

• Public consultation: July 2026
• Outline planning application submission: Summer 2026
• Determination: Winter 2026
• Reserved Matters stage: Winter 2028
• Construction start (estimated): Winter 2029

Next steps

Following the consultation:

• Feedback will be considered
• Proposals will be updated where appropriate
• A planning application will be submitted