New Paignton sea front plans under fire

Critics say more detail is needed

Critics of a new multi-million-pound scheme to transform Paignton and Preston seafronts have called for more detail about the proposals before a decision is made.

The plans went on show to the public at the Paignton Club this week, with council officers and engineers there to answer questions and explain details of the ambitious schemes which are designed to upgrade the seafronts and make them safe from future flooding caused by climate change.

It is the latest stage in a lengthy public consultation organised by Torbay Council, which describes the defences as being part of a wider ‘masterplan’ for the area. The defences themselves will cost around £4.6 million, and money has already been secured from the Environment Agency, the government’s Future High Streets Fund and developers paying contributions for local projects.

An initial plan released in December 2020 consisted of little more than a decorative wall along the seafronts, and was widely criticised. The council abandoned that proposal and came up with the current extensive package.

As well as the flood defences and gates, it includes major changes to road access and parking on the seafronts, with an enlarged pedestrian area.
The council aims to draw up a full planning application for the project by the autumn.

But Colin Hurst of the Paignton and Preston Community Partnership, himself a former bay councillor, has called for the authority to put the brakes on, and supply more detail.

“The most important thing is to get this right,” he said. 

The council says the new defences are needed on both Paignton and Preston seafronts to protect these areas and low-lying areas of the town centre from rising sea levels over the next 50 years. It has been estimated that more than  properties are at risk of flooding, and by providing defences now the risk can be reduced drastically.  

Mr Hurst said the community was being offered ‘Hobson’s choice’, with no alternative proposals. He called for more architectural detail and a breakdown of the costs.

“This presentation is very short on detail,” he said. “That will come later, but this consultation is going to inform a council committee decision in September.

“If you are going to produce a plan it has to be a plan that is viable, costed and detailed.

“Also, they gave us two days notice of this exhibition, and there are very few people here. They are going to have to try this again.
“We need three-dimensional drawings and proper costings. They have got to get their act together.”

The masterplan has been divided into phases to be completed when funding is available.

Cllr Chris Lewis (Con, Preston), who is deputy leader of the council and a cabinet member, said: “This has been developed to ensure we protect and improve the precious open spaces along these seafronts. The most important part of these plans is to protect Paignton town centre from flooding.

“Thank you to those that took part in the previous engagements, which have now helped shape the scheme. Please now look at the proposed plans and ideas that will be included in the planning application later this year.”