Prime minister pledges help for Torbay town centres

Bay's problems highlighted in the Commons

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has been asked to step in and speed up long-awaited plans to regenerate Torbay’s ailing town centres.

That could include more support from the government, as well as changing planning regulations to encourage converting empty shops into cafes, restaurants or even new homes.

Bay MP Kevin Foster grabbed an opportunity to make his point to Mr Sunak during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons this week.

Torbay has been promised more than £35 million from the government for a range of projects in Paignton and Torquay. The ‘Town Deal’ money for Torquay – a total of £21.9 million – was first pledged three years ago, while Paignton’s £13.5 million from the ‘Future High Streets’ programme also dates from late 2020.

The focus of regeneration in Torquay will be around Market Street, Union Street and Temperance Street.

Paignton’s money is earmarked for schemes in the town centre, including Victoria Street and Station Square, as well as the harbour area.

However, changes in the economy have meant major challenges for proposed schemes all around the country. Interest rates have risen sharply along with the cost of living, and would-be developers have put up their costs.

Now Mr Foster wants the prime minister to intervene.

He told the Commons: “The collapse of a potential rescue deal for Wilko brings added urgency to the regeneration of our town centres.

“Will the prime minister agree to meet me and the leader of Torbay Council to identify ways that, with government support and planning reform, this can be accelerated?”

Mr Sunak replied: “Investment through both arms of our towns fund is part of how we will regenerate and unleash the potential of our town centres.

“I am delighted to hear that that investment includes Torbay’s £21.9 million town deal and, indeed, £13.5 million for Paignton via the future high streets fund.

“My honorable friend is right about ensuring that our planning system is friendly for small businesses, and that is what we are doing –  making it much easier to convert unused shops into cafés, restaurants or, indeed, new homes. That is an example of how we are helping our high streets to adapt and thrive.”