Have your say on how many houses are needed for Torbay

(Last Updated On: January 26, 2022)

Torbay Council is carrying out a review of its housing supply, linked to the Local Plan, and want to hear from its residents about their thoughts on five options.

Housing need in Torbay is set by a formula which is given to the local authority by the Government. This formula, known as the “standard method”, sets the minimum number of new homes that areas should seek to meet and in Torbay this figure is set at between 560-600 dwellings a year

This consultation looks at the options available on how this figure of new housing can be met, taking into account environmental and other constraints in the Bay and where housing developments could go over the next decade.

Maps and information on each of the options, including their advantages and disadvantages, can be found on Torbay Council’s website.

The council wants to hear from as many people as possible before they prepare the next stage of the process, which will include the preferred option from this consultation.

An online questionnaire is available on the Local Plan Update webpages and the consultation is open until 12 noon on Monday 28 February 2022.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture said: “We know that we face difficult choices in looking to find new land for housing and this consultation shows that our priority is to maximise the use of brownfield land and regenerate urban areas. However, we do have to consider other options, particularly as there is a real need for affordable housing in Torbay.

“No decision has been made about any of these options or sites. We really want to get views of our residents before preparing what the preferred option is and I really encourage you to take a look at the options and let us know your views before the end of February.”

To read more about why the council is carrying out this consultation, why the Local Plan is regularly reviewed and see the previous consultation on identifying sites that could be developed on, please visit the council’s website.