A report recommending the sale of Occombe Farm along with land laying north of Preston Down Road (Paignton) to Greendale SPV 1 Limited (Greendale) has been submitted to Torbay Council's Cabinet for their consideration.

Torbay Council, along with SWISCo, resumed management of the Occombe Farm site and the neighbouring land following the liquidation of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust in December 2025 and the site has remained vacant whilst long term options are considered.

If approved at next week's Cabinet meeting, the sale would enable Greendale to reopen Occombe Farm and bring forward a detailed proposal to enhance the site to offer a range of leisure and retail facilities for the community. These plans would be supported by a significant programme of planned investment over the coming years.  

They would also take on the management of the associated farm and woodland areas including the day-to-day management of those protected under the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSi) designation.

Greendale already run a successful business in the Exeter area with a farm shop, café, and family-friendly events, and are active in the Bay through their partnership with sister company Waterdance Ltd who have a fleet operating from Brixham Harbour. 

Their vision for the Occombe Farm site includes the return of much-loved features such as the farm shop and café, with an aim to also reintroduce the indoor play area in future as well. The farm shop and café would operate on a sustainable model that champions locally sourced food and produce, supporting local businesses, stimulating economic growth and minimising the carbon footprint.

It would also see the wider land and buildings developed to include indoor sports courts, providing new health and sports facilities and helping to promote wellness within Torbay's community.

In the longer-term and subject to planning permission, they would also plan to develop some of the wider land to create a glamping holiday retreat, helping to attract visitors to the area and further support the local business community.

More information will be available in due course, subject to the decision from Cabinet, and the completion of any relevant legal processes.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Torbay Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said:

"Occombe Farm was a much-loved part of Torbay’s heritage for many years and has been greatly missed since its closure. We are committed to securing a sustainable, community-focused future for the site. Appointing a single operator with a proven track record in Devon, such as Greendale, will help us deliver that vision for our people and our place.

"Our priority is to make Torbay a happy, healthy and prosperous place, where our residents and local businesses can thrive, and Greendale's vision for Occombe Farm aligns closely with this ambition. Their proposals will not only enhance leisure opportunities for our community but also provide a significant boost to the local economy, with the potential to create up to 200 jobs for local people."

The proposals will be considered by our Cabinet on Tuesday 9 June. To read the full report and find out more about how to access the Cabinet meeting, please visit our website.