"Alien" flats approved in Torquay

Others describe plans as "likeable" and "elegant"

The block of 17 flats designed by architects Kay Elliott was put forward to replace a former nursing home in St Marychurch, Torquay, which closed in 2017.

Torbay Council’s planning committee twice deferred a decision on the application from McCarthy Contracting and Development to ask for minor changes and then to visit the site of Ashbourne House at 213 St Marychurch Road.

The plans for the new building based on a Victorian villa theme were lodged in September last year then resubmitted in May after the design was simplified and the height reduced.

At a meeting on Monday evening, Pat Bishop, chair of the St Marychurch Community Partnership, objected to the amended design for a three-storey block as “alien” and a “concrete box”.

She said it would have a negative impact and set a precedent which would “degrade” the quality of the conservation area.

Mrs Bishop said: “This is just a concrete box and adds nothing to the conservation area.”

Another objector said the design was out of character with the nearby Victorian and Edwardian villas due its height and size and would set an unwelcome precedent.

“What we are witnessing here is a kind of assault on the area,” he told the committee.

Tony Brown, who lives opposite the site, and was speaking on behalf of around 15 residents, said the design had evolved after consultation with neighbours.

He described it as “likeable and elegant”, adding charm, interest and positivity to the street scene.

Ian Handford, chair of the Torbay Civic Society, was another supporter, saying the society approved of the design which had a Victorian theme and it would provide new homes on a “brownfield” site. 

He pointed out the society was dedicated to protecting the built heritage of Torbay, and said: “The building will not look out of place.”

St Marychurch councillors Anne Brooks and Ray Hill, a member of the planning committee, were against the plan.

Cllr Brooks said it was “not sympathetic”, too modern and too high.

Cllr Hill described it as an “unsympathetic concrete block” which was unacceptable.

But Liberal Democrat Jack Dart, in his twenties and the youngest  member of the council, said it was wrong to reject a scheme because some people did not like it. 

He urged councillors to think of the Bay’s young people, adding: “Not liking the look is not an appropriate way to progress. We need to look for modern, attractive buildings.” 

Planning officer Alexis Moran, who recommended approval with conditions, told councillors: “We consider it  to be a good quality design building which is acceptable in its context, and it replaces a poorly designed building.”

After a discussion, seven members of the committee voted in favour of allowing the building to go ahead, with one vote against from Cllr Hill.