Following the news that a claim of millions of pounds in damages has been made against Torbay council by Oldway Mansion Limited in relation to Oldway Mansion, Torbay council have released a statement:
“The council deeply regrets that it has not provided an update in respect of Oldway Mansion for some time, particularly considering the public interest in this historic building.
“The current position is that proceedings have been served on the council by the developer, Oldway Mansion Limited (“OML”), requesting (amongst other orders) an order for specific performance requiring the council to grant leases of the Oldway Mansion site to OML and an order for damages against the council.
“The allegations and assertions made in the proceedings are strongly denied and will be robustly defended. The council is, and has been throughout, committed to protecting the interests of the Bay’s communities and ensuring that the much-loved Mansion is protected for the long term. Our position will be set out in full in the Defence that will be filed with the Court next month.”
Oldway Mansion remains empty. Oldway Mansion Limited had proposed to create a luxury hotel development and housing within the grounds.
Oldway Mansion had previously belonged to the Singer family. Paignton Urban District Council purchased Oldway Mansion from the Singer family in 1946. In 2007, Torbay Council announced that it was considering selling the mansion due to maintenance costs. Plans for a luxury hotel and housing were approved in 2012.
