The Government requires us to maintain a register of previously developed land suitable for residential development. Previously developed land is commonly known as brownfield land. 

We will review the Brownfield Register in accordance with legislation and guidance. We will keep it up-to-date, and it will be available to the public. This is to provide certainty for developers and communities. It will also encourage investment in Torbay. 

The register consists of: 

  • sites identified in the adopted Torbay Local Plan 2012-2030 
  • some sites of a certain size with planning permission 

Included is a standard set of information for each site.  

Brownfield Register
The Register consists of sites identified in the adopted Torbay Local Plan. This data is provided under the Open Government Licence.

All sites on the register meet the definition of previously developed land. This is set out by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  The quantum of development identified for each site is a guide only. It has been informed by:  

  • the Local Plan 
  • Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 
  • master planning work 
  • discussion with landowners/developers 

Suitable sites 

To be suitable for housing, sites must meet the definition of brownfield land. This means they must be: 

  • available, with a willing landowner 
  • in a suitable location and free from constraints that cannot be fixed or resolved  
  • viable and capable of being delivered within 5 years or be developed later on (e.g. between 6 and 10 years) 
  • capable of supporting five or more dwellings or more than 0.25 hectares. 

Status of sites

The Register does not affect sites that already have planning permission. The inclusion of other sites on Part 1 of the Brownfield Register does not:  

  • give them any formal status 
  • grant permission in principle 

Planning applications on these sites will be considered on their merits. This is in accordance with:  

  • the local plan 
  • national policy 
  • any other material considerations 

We will review the Brownfield Register at least once a year (by 31 December). This may affect the status of sites included on future Brownfield Registers prepared by the Council. The compiling of future Brownfield Registers will provide the opportunity for the potential inclusion of other identified sites and public engagement on these sites.