We are undertaking a full update of our Local Plan to guide development in Torbay for the next 20 years. We are consulting on the draft Local Plan (Regulation 18 stage) and would like people's views on the key issues and options.

The Local Plan and consultation cover a range of planning issues and supporting policies that will help bring forward appropriate development in Torbay. The plan covers areas such as housing need and affordability; climate change and environmental protection; economic growth and job creation; local heritage; community safety; transport; infrastructure; public spaces and sports facilities.

When adopted, the Local Plan will be the legal starting point for determining planning applications for the use of land. It will also set an overarching framework that locally prepared neighbourhood plans must follow. 

Following the consultation, we will review all comments to help shape the final preferred version of the plan. There will be less opportunity to influence the plan at the later stages, so now really is the time for people to get involved and have their say.

In support of the consultation, we are holding a series of public drop-in sessions over the next two weeks. These will be held in Torquay Town Hall Banking Hall on Thursday 8 January 4pm to 8pm, Paignton Library Foyer on Tuesday 13 January 10.30am to 2.30pm, and Brixham Scala Hall on Thursday 15 January 4pm to 8pm. Drop in at any time to learn more about the proposals.

We are also providing one-hour online sessions with a short presentation followed by the opportunity to ask questions. These will be held on Wednesday 7 and Wednesday 14 January. Full details are available on our consultation pages.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council said; "The consultation will allow local people to tell us what they think about our plans. We've made a real effort to focus as much development as possible on previously developed and brownfield sites.

"This focus sits alongside our 'Hotels to Homes' initiative that will bring forward much needed smaller dwellings for local people. Taken together, these approaches will direct a significant amount of development away from green field sites.

"The public sessions cover a range of times to allow everyone to discuss the draft Local Plan with our Planning Officers. Take this opportunity to come along to our public events, speak to the team and have your say on the issues that matter most to you."

We are aware that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will be on people's minds in 2026. LGR may bring forward significant changes across Devon. Despite these potential changes, we believe it is still very important to get a local plan in place for the area. Once adopted, the plan will help to avoid development coming forward in a speculative and piecemeal way. Without a local plan, the area is more vulnerable to being targeted by speculative developers that may focus on greenfield sites. A local plan would help to bring forward development on brownfield sites and promote town centre regeneration.

The consultation opened on Friday 28 November 2025 and runs to Monday 26 January 2026.

Have your say by visiting the consultation pages.