News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Any views expressed in this news post are those of Kevin Foster, unless stated otherwise.
Parkfield Update
There was another twist in the tale involving the Parkfield Centre this week as all 36 of Torbay’s Councillors considered the planning application relating to turning it into a school.
After a lengthy and passionate debate the application, which had already been rejected by the Council’s Development Committee, was refused by 19 votes to 9, with 6 abstentions. You can read more on the Devon Live website by clicking here.
The refusal of planning permission means that the conversion of the building into a school cannot go ahead, although it is possible that the decision might be appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol.
Pavilion Development
On Monday the Council’s Development Management Committee again considered the application for the pavilion development.
Although the decision had already been made, the plan was back before councillors for confirmation of certain issues following legal advice. A majority of Councillors again backed the development and you can read a blog of the meeting on the Devon Live website by clicking here.
Those who object to the scheme are looking to pursue a judicial review of the Council’s decision.
Town Hall Car Park Development
Earlier this week plans for a development of student accommodation on the Town Hall Car Park in Torquay were unveiled.
The £14.2m development would provide accommodation for 300 students and will be built by Torbay Council as part of its town centre regeneration project. It will be leased by an as yet un-named education provider for 25 years.
Money raised by the development will go towards town centre improvements. These could include the refurbishment of the Lower Union Lane multi storey car park and/or targeted public realm improvements.
From speaking with our local language colleges we understand there is an urgent need for more accommodation to support their work. Many local residents take the opportunity to host a student by renting a room, but more are needed.
You can read the full details on the Devon Live website by clicking here.
St Marychurch Fire
A major fire in St Marychurch on Tuesday night caused significant damage and disrupted services at a local Doctor’s surgery.
Forty firefighters were called to fight the blaze and the Fire Brigade was still on the scene the next day. You can see some drone pictures of the damage caused on the Devon Live website by clicking here.
Postal/Proxy Vote Reminder
If you or someone you know is going to be away from the bay on Thursday 8th June then there is no time like the present to organise a Postal/Proxy vote.
You can find the relevant forms and further information on the Torbay Council website by clicking here. The deadline for new applications for a Postal Vote is 5pm on Tuesday 23rd May.
Postal Vote papers will be posted on Thursday 25th May. If you are going away before 26th May and not coming back till after 8th June you will need to arrange a Proxy Vote as your ballot paper would arrive after you have left.
Torbay Lottery Set To Launch
The Torbay Lottery’s first draw takes place on 27th May 2017 and those taking part will be supporting the 68 good causes that have signed up so far.
282 players have already purchased 594 tickets and the Torbay Council initiative is on target to raise an estimated annual income of £18,500 for local good causes in Torbay.
The aim is to sell 1,000 tickets for the first draw on 27 May 2017. You can help your chosen cause raise funds and be in with a chance of winning the £25,000 jackpot just by purchasing a ticket.
Just click here to visit the Lottery’s website to play and choose your good cause, but do remember the advice: “Only Gamble What You Can Afford To Lose”.
Paignton Hospital
One issue that has caused a lot of debate recently is the impact so called “Fake News” and sadly Paignton Hospital has been the subject of such a story.
Claims have been made on a popular social media site that the Leonard Stocks Centre is moving to the Hospital Site. The claims are completely false, there are no such plans.
The reality is that Paignton Hospital will become a Health and Wellbeing Centre and will remain open for about eighteen months when alternative accommodation should be available. The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) contained within Paignton Hospital will be available Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and there will be X-Ray facilities. The MIU will be licenced to deal with young children, most are not.
Finally the Highways department at Torbay Council has been approached to change the MIU signs so that they may be more readily understood
Doggy Day Care
Last Saturday a new purpose built day care centre opened in the bay.
Yet if you’re thinking this might be a place for children to be cared for you would be wrong as it is actually the bay’s first Doggy Day Care Centre!!!
The description I have been given says “Happy Dogs R Us is a centre where you can bring your dogs for a fun day out, exercise, socialising with many differing breads, and just enjoying being a dog.”
You can read more on their website by clicking here.
Velopark Big Ride
One of the UK’s biggest charity partnerships is encouraging women and children in Torbay to get active this half term.
The National Charity Partnership, between Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Tesco, is inviting families to take part in the Active Mums ‘Big Bike Ride’ at Torbay Velopark.
Mums and children can use the extensive range of bikes available at the Velopark on Wednesday 31 May from 10:30am until 2:30pm where they can all ride together and use trailers, seats and balance bikes, all for free.
For more information about the Active Mums programme and to find out how to get involved, email activemums@torbay.gov.uk
Torbay Council’s Newest Member.
Whilst there were no local elections in our bay last week the Council is welcoming a new member who has a real (wet) nose for politics.
Pepsi is the new Guide Dog who will be accompanying Tormohun Councillor Mandy Darling as she goes about her duties. Her former Guide Dog Coral is now enjoying a well-earned retirement. You can see a picture of them both on the DevonLive website by clicking here.
Events
SOS Club Business Breakfast
16th May – Living Coasts, Beacon Quay, Torquay, TQ1 2BG
Time – 07:30-09:00
Cost – £10 members; £12 non-members
Family Friendly Torchlit Night at the Museum
19th May – Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HF
Time – 17:30-21:00
Cost – £10 each; £35 for a family of four
Click here for more information
Babbacombe Model Village Evening Illuminations
Every Thursday until End of October – Hampton Avenue, Torquay, TQ1 3LA
Time – 10:00-21:00
Cost – Usual Prices Apply
Click here for more information
