Torbay Council is setting out its vision for how it plans to deliver at least 5,500 new jobs and 8,900 new homes by 2030 with the publication of Torbay’s Local Plan.

The publication of the Local Plan, which was published today (Tuesday 31 May 2016), is a landmark moment and outlines how Torbay aims to secure economic recovery and encourage growth in the Bay now, and over the next 15 years.

This will be achieved via a combination of securing investment, encouraging the development of new infrastructure to support growth and providing new homes to meet the needs of the area, whilst respecting Torbay’s renowned and much-loved natural environment.

The document covers the spatial strategy and strategic delivery objectives for each of the three towns, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, alongside policies for managing change and development in the Bay. It will be used to deliver major projects and provides the basis for decisions on planning applications within Torbay.

Mark King, Executive Lead for Housing, Planning, Transport and Waste, said: “The publication of the Torbay Local Plan comes at a time of significant interest from investors who are keen to tap-in to the Bay’s potential. This has been heralded by the opening of the South Devon Highway and its huge potential as a beacon for growth and increased prosperity in the area.

"Securing recovery isn’t only about increasing development though. Building the Bay’s reputation as an attractive place to live, do business, work and raise a family is also a key factor. With new homes being built at a faster rate this year than over the last four years and unemployment rates down, this reputation is growing. New business is also being attracted to the Bay, signified most recently by the decision of hi-tech spacecraft engineers and manufacturers, Arundal Astronautics Ltd, to base their new facility at Lymington Road Business Centre in Torquay. A lot of time and effort by all concerned has gone into reaching this stage of publication and I want to congratulate the hard working team behind the delivery of this key strategic document”.

A limited number of copies of the Local Plan are now available to buy as a printed document or on a USB memory stick (in PDF). The final published document is also available in a ‘view only format’ and can be found at www.torbay.gov.uk/newlocalplan. To purchase a printed copy or USB memory stick please email future.planning@torbay.gov.uk.

Local Plan copies will cost £100 for the hard copy and £70 for a USB memory stick, which includes PDF maps and a written statement. There will be a limited print run and future copies may cost more.

The Local Plan Policies Map and Written Statement (read only) has also been made available online. The new Local Plan and masterplans can be viewed on the Council’s website at www.torbay.gov.uk/newlocalplan and www.torbay.gov.uk/masterplans.