Torbay must build almost 1,000 yearly due to government targets. Councillors are concerned about the impact.
Angela Rayner wants 1.5 million homes built for the whole country in five years. Torbay councillors worry about the impact.
Adam Billings says parties must all work together and work with local people. They need to plan development in Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. He says the housing target is now mandatory; it used to be just advice.
The new target stands at 940 new homes each year. Billings thinks Torbay could be filled in 14 years if they reach the target. He wants to find some solutions.
Recent projects added hundreds of homes. Inglewood has almost 400 homes at White Rock, while Collaton St Mary has over 100 new homes, building them in fields.
The bay has large plots ready for buildings, and Hollicombe and the old STC factory are examples. Homes were approved there years ago, but they never started building.
Darren Cowell called the 940 target ‘scare-mongering,’ stating housing targets are not something new. Chris Lewis disagreed with him.
Lewis stated there is little room to negotiate because the government set the figure. Lewis said it’s not scare-mongering; it’s a fact. Cabinet members agreed on a new timeline, wanting a draft local plan by October.