News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Any views expressed in this news post are those of Kevin Foster, unless stated otherwise.
Torquay Pavillion Redevelopment
The most recent proposals for the redevelopment of Torquay Pavillion, involving a £32m plan to build a 5 floor, 60 bedroom hotel as well as an 11 floor block of 43 residential apartments, has been given the backing of Torbay Council planning officers.
After taking everything into consideration, including economic and environmental effects, the planning officers have decided that the plans should be given the green light subject, to clarification of design details and the impact of shadowing on public spaces.
The proposals will now go before the Development Management Committee on Monday 27th February.
Torre Redevelopment Plan
Sticking with redevelopment plans in Torbay, one set of proposals that did receive final approval this week was the plan to redevelop the former B&Q and Korean Martial Arts Centre on Tor Hill Road, and the former chapel on Zion Road.
The £7m plan will see the sites in Torre, just up from Kevin’s office, be converted into 29 residential units and homes, 17 car parking spaces, 3 garage spaces, and 663 square metres of retail or commercial floor space.
Employment Figures
This week, the latest set of national employment figures were released, with the Bay once again seeing a reduction in unemployment.
The number of people in Torquay and Paignton claiming the main unemployment benefits is down 7% on this time last year, and is down 55% since January 2010. Although figures across the country are improving, a number of constituencies saw increases in the amount of people claiming the main unemployment benefits, making this fall all the more impressive.
Cliff Strengthening Works
For anyone walking down by Hollicombe Beach over the next few weeks, you may see a rather unusual site – an off shore barge and a number of construction vehicles will be depositing approximately 14,000 tonnes of rock into the sea.
The project aims to create a ‘rock barrier’ which will protect a 120m length of cliff which is at risk from further damage. When complete, the barrier will absorb some of the energy from waves during extreme conditions, ensuring that the already exposed cliffs do not succumb to further damage.
New Trains for the South-West
Passengers travelling towards Devon and Cornwall are one step closer to experiencing new trains on the route as Hitachi Rail’s Italian Factory has taken delivery of body shells for the development of new trains for GWR.
The trains, 36 of which are destined to connect Devon and Cornwall with London, are due to be put into use in 2018, and will see improved quality, numbers of seats, on-board facilities and, crucially, better reliability. As the trains will use bi-mode technology, allowing the use of both electric and diesel power, the trains will be able to withstand the region’s weather conditions, including the challenges posed by the Dawlish coast.
Given that two trains were damaged by waves crashing over the sea wall at Dawlish on Monday night, the delivery of the new trains will be a welcome addition and will vastly improve the resilience of our rail network.
Paignton Ring Road Reminder
A reminder that works on the Paignton Ring Road have now begun, causing major disruption.
The section of the Ring Road between Spruce Way at Kings Ash to Churscombe Cross, (the roundabout near Ye Olde Smokey pub at Marldon) has closed until the end of March and even after the road reopens there will be roadworks through the summer until Christmas with traffic lights in place.
The closure will allow major earth works to take place, but if you depend on travelling via this road do plan to allow plenty of extra time for your daily commute when these works are taking place.
Very Superstitious…
The Herald Express reported this week that, touch wood, Devon is the most superstitious county in the UK!
According to the survey, a whopping 57% of people in Devon would classify themselves as superstitious which, fingers crossed, makes us the only county where the majority of people are superstitious.
Other facts from the survey include 49% of Brits having a lucky number, 28% having an unlucky number, and 9% believing the number 13 brings good luck! (38% said it brings bad luck).
Events
Cockington Horse Exhibition
Until 19th February – Linhay Visitor Centre, Cockington, Torquay, TQ2 6XA
Time – 11:00-15:00
Cost – Free
Click here for more information
Stoneage School
Until 19th February – Kents Cavern, 91 Ilsham Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JF
Time – 10:00-15:30 – final entry at 15:30
Cost – Usual charges apply
Click here for more information
Maidencombe Winter Wildlife Ramble
22nd February – Maidencombe Car Park, Maidencombe, Torquay, TQ1 4TS
Time – 10:00-12:00
Cost – £7 to be booked in advance
Click here for more information
Cafe and Social Club by Chelston Action Group
22nd February – St Peter’s Centre, Queensway, Torquay, TQ2 6BP
Time – 10:00-14:00
Cost – Free to attend
Click here for more information
