Cabinet resolved on 17th November 2020 and 19th January 2021 to carry out a limited update of the Torbay Local Plan in respect of policies dealing with the supply of housing (Primarily Policies SS1, SS2, SS12 and SS13 and the Neighbourhood Plan “Strategic Development” policies). 

As part of the Local Plan Update a “Growth Options” Consultation was carried out by Torbay Council in January-February 2022.  This set out several potential growth options the results of which need to be reported to Members.

1.         That, based on Torbay’s exceptional circumstances, an alternative approach to the Government’s “standard method” calculation of housing need should be carried out based on current and future demographic trends and market signals;

2.         That members approve a draft “Regulation 18” consultation on site options to commence in September 2022 based on the contents of this report;

3.         That the scope of the Local Plan Update also be expanded to update policies on Climate Emergency, infrastructure, employment and the Strategic (“SS”) policies in the Local Plan;

4.         That the plan period is extended to 2040 “and beyond” in recognition of the urban regeneration opportunities and requirements of national planning policy to have a minimum of 15 years for strategic policies;

5.         That the Local Development Scheme is updated according to the content of this report and be published accordingly;

6.         That the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency, in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture continues “Duty to Cooperate” discussions with neighbouring authorities, based on Officers’ current advice that Torbay does not have the environmental capacity and there is insufficient viability to deliver the Government’s “Standard Method” local housing need figure, despite the pressing need for affordable housing.

Due to the extent of issues under consideration, it was recommended that a consultation was carried out under Regulation 18 “Issue and Options”.  This would enable greater latitude to consider options than a “Regulation 19” Preferred Option consultation.

Alternative options were set out in the submitted report.

This decision will be implemented immediately.

During January 2022 and February 2022, a consultation on ‘Growth Options’ was undertaken, the Cabinet considered a report that recommended the next steps of an updated Local Plan.  Due to the extent of issues under consideration, it was recommended that a consultation was carried out under Regulation 18 “Issue and Options”.  Enabling greater latitude to consider options than a “Regulation 19” Preferred Option consultation.  The consultation would seek views on which of the sites or clusters of sites were acceptable to bring forward for development. 

It was recommended that the Local Plan Update focussed on brownfield regeneration sites and promoted development in town centre and waterfront locations. 

At the meeting Councillor Morey proposed and Councillor Steve Darling seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

None.