News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Pavilion Objections Reach 500
There are only a few days left before the deadline to comment on the two Planning Applications affecting the Pavilion.
If you want to comment on the applications or take a look at the plans for yourself, you can find links to all the relevant details from a specific page on the Council website. Just click here to be taken to it. Comments need to be with the Council by Wednesday 18th November 2015
Over 500 people have already objected to the plan for a 14 storey tower on the site, which is a record for individual comments on a single application. You can read more about the comments made so far on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
No Vote to TRTBID
On Thursday representatives of local business groups gathered at the Palace Hotel in Paignton to hear the result of the ballot on the proposed Tourism and Retail Bid.
The plan would have seen 1,500 businesses in the Tourism and Retail sector pay a compulsory levy on top of their business rates to support a range of services to promote the bay as a destination. A similar system was implemented in Bournemouth a few years ago.
Out of 1,500 businesses eligible to vote 259 voted in favour, 290 against. This means the proposal will not go ahead as, under the law, it needed to secure the support of a majority of businesses voting in the ballot.
Police Funding Changes Shelved
This week has seen as many twists and turns in the story about the future funding formula for our Police as might be found in one of the who dunit novels written by Dame Agatha herself.
Last week it was reported how the Government had written to Devon and Cornwall Police stating that the information used to calculate the indicative funding allocation under a proposed new system was wrong. This called into question the figure of £56m of savings that was reported recently as the funding level indicated would be higher if using the correct data.
Given the lack of clarity about the exact funding position, our Police and Crime Commissioner continued with launching a planned consultation (based on the initial indications) asking residents for their views on a suggestion of raising the Police’s share of Council Tax by 15% (Equivalent to £25 on the average Council Tax bill per year) ahead of deciding whether to call a Referendum on this proposal in May 2016.
Then on Monday afternoon the Policing Minister made a dramatic statement to the House of Commons in which he confirmed the proposed plans for a new formula were being shelved for at least a year. Next year’s funding would be based on the existing formula, reducing significantly the level of savings needing to be made. The next day (Tuesday) the Police and Crime Commissioner decided to shelve his plan for a Referendum.
The upshot of all this is that we are still left with an existing funding formula that does not take into account the range of demands on our Police when allocating funding.
South Devon Link Road
The opening of the Link Road is getting nearer and whilst the work is nearly finished there is still a bit more inconvenience to come.
A number of overnight road closures are planned over coming weeks as workers complete the finishing touches. You can read the details of them on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Night Shelter Meeting
Local Churches will be coming together this winter to offer shelter in their buildings on the coldest nights of the year for those who, for whatever reason, are sleeping rough in the bay.
After a successful scheme in Paignton earlier this year, Torquay will also be running a similar scheme next year. If you would like to offer some help, or just find out more about the scheme, there is a Meeting at St Pauls Church, Preston on Saturday 14thNovember 2015 for all Volunteers wishing to help at the Night Shelters in January and February 2016.
The Meeting will start at 12.30pm with a bring and share lunch, aiming to close at 16.30. Hot drinks will be provided and all are welcome.
Gleneagles Decision
On Monday Councillors sitting on the Development Management Committee decided to approve a plan for 32 flats on the site of the Gleneagles Hotel in Asheldon Road.
The Hotel is famous for inspiring the classic comedy series “Fawlty Towers” and has been a must see for many tourists since. It will now be demolished to make way for the new development.
The plans are slightly better than those rejected earlier this year, yet the design would have been better if it had more reflected the houses next to the site, rather than being a large block. You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Pop Up Shop Full
The Pop up the High Street Shop is now fully booked with retailers until 2016.
Since opening at the end of August in Union Street Torquay, has enjoyed a steady flow of 14 local retailers, selling products ranging from hand painted glassware to traditional handmade Ethiopian clothing.
Pop up the High Street offers independent retailers in Torbay the chance to experience life on the high street for up to 6 weeks for just £30 a week. This provides home businesses or companies with an online presence the opportunity to have a ‘real world’ physical retail space, without the expensive overheads or risk. The project is funded by the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.
Pop up the High Street has opportunities throughout 2016 for those who would like to experience life on the high street. With places in December 2016 booked already, early booking is advised in order to guarantee your preferred dates. To enquire about this opportunity or to book your place click here or email Liz.Edwards@tedcltd.com
Council Budget Consultation Continues
Last week Torbay Council published its draft budget proposals for 2016/17 marking the start of a public consultation on them.
One key part is that after a five year freeze a small rise in the Council’s element of the Council Tax is being proposed. Savings are continuing to be required at a local level as the Government moves to eliminate the reminder of the national deficit.
You can find the full details of the draft Budget, plus how to have your say in the consultation, by clicking here.
Events
Sat 14th Nov: All day. Torquay Town Centre Light Switch On. Entertainment. Santa will arriving in Fleet Walk at 11.30am For more details click here.
Sat 5th Dec: Festive Event’s at Torbay Velopark in Paignton, 1.5km Santa Fun Run, a 3km Santa Cycle. A Santa Duathlon! Take part in both of the above Santa Sunday is sponsored by Pennywell Farm. Adults £10, Under 16s £7 Tel: 01803 208873.
