Thumbs-up for plan to turn derelict hotels into homes

Councillors argue over details, but back project unanimously

Plans to turn dozens of Torbay’s derelict old hotels and guest houses into affordable new homes for local families and key workers have been given a unanimous thumbs-up.

Members of Torbay Council argued over who should own the properties once they were finished, but all agreed to press on with the pioneering scheme.

The ‘Hotels To Homes’ initiative has been tried elsewhere, but the Torbay model would be the first to involve local developers in a ‘revolving’ programme to build, sell and build again.

“We hope this will go on for years to come,” said Cllr Alan Tyerman (Con, Churston with Galmpton), cabinet member for housing and finance.

A £3 million government grant will fund the initiative, and the first step will be to buy 14 completed flats from a ‘respected’ local developer who is already working on a plan to convert an old hotel. The exact location has not yet been disclosed, but contracts could be exchanged in November and the first residents could move in during autumn 2025.

The council plans to re-invest the money it makes from selling the affordable homes into building more.

“The beauty of this is that over the years further projects of the same sort will be funded by the sale of the first one,” said Cllr Nick Bye (Con, Wellswood)

A report for the meeting said Torbay has large amounts of ‘unviable’ leisure and holiday accommodation such as former hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses. The council says it will deliver 100 per cent affordable housing to provide homes for local households.

The homes will be let through the Devon Home Choice service.

Liberal Democrat opposition group leader Swithin Long (Barton with Watcombe) said the council should retain ownership of the homes, and Independent group leader Darren Cowell (Shiphay) agreed, but Cllr Adam Billings (Con, Churston with Galmpton) said that would mean a loss of funding for later phases of the project.

“The funding is for a ‘revolver’,” he said. “It is to be used for one project, and then recycled to the next, and the next, and the next.”