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White Rock scheme takes major step forward
2nd May 2013
Categories: Latest News
The biggest development scheme for many years in Torbay has taken a major step forward with the issuing of outline planning permission.
Following detailed negotiations and public consultation - which included a steering group of local representatives to help shape the development - proposals for the development at White Rock, Paignton, were approved in February 2012 by Torbay Council's Development Management Committee.
Several months have been spent on finalising the planning agreements, which have helped bring the scheme to fruition, and now the council is in a position to issue the outline permission.
The White Rock development will provide more than 30,000 square metres of employment floor space, around 1,200 jobs, 350 homes, a local centre, public open space and all-weather sports pitches, allotments and greater access into the countryside for local residents.
At White Rock, a new hotel and pub have already been built, a new sustainable construction/energy building is making progress and a new innovation centre has planning permission.
Torbay Council's Deputy Mayor, Cllr David Thomas, whose Executive Lead portfolio includes spatial planning, said: "West Paignton is one of Torbay's identified employment and development areas. Previous plans for White Rock fell by the wayside and I am extremely pleased that we are now in a position to issue the outline planning permission for the mixed use development of White Rock, bringing much needed investment into the Bay.
"The council and Torbay Development Agency will continue to work alongside the developer to help deliver the scheme, including consideration of further planning applications, use of the council’s new Growth Fund and a Local Development Order to help encourage investment and business growth.
"The first stage of development will see the construction of an access road and infrastructure to the Western Bowl employment site and construction of a 20,000 square foot industrial unit, a key requirement of the consent.
"Provision later on of an additional junction on Brixham Road will be required to facilitate the proposed housing scheme. It will also help attract additional employment opportunities to the remaining allocated employment areas of the local centre."