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The long-awaited go-ahead for Torbay Council to demolish one of Devon’s worst blots on the landscape has finally been approved this afternoon.
The Planning Inspectorate has given permission for the compulsory purchase order (CPO) on the derelict Crossways shopping precinct in Paignton so that it can begin to knock down the empty shops and multi-storey car park.
Torbay Council leaders said the milestone was “fantastic news”. Deputy leader Darren Cowell said: “For many years the site has had a negative impact on the town centre, now we can really move forward in developing the site as an attractive residential, retail and employment space.”
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Now the council has permission to build 90 much-needed ‘extra care’ homes for people who need to be in the town centre, with some shopping space retained on the ground floor.
The inspector’s CPO decision stated: “There is a compelling case in the public interest, which weighs substantially in favour of confirming the Order”.
In September of this year, Gaelic Investments who bought the site in 2009 agreed terms under the CPO with the council.
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In April, the remaining objection on the CPO by the Royal Mail was withdrawn prior to the Public Inquiry hearing.
Before work physically starts on site, a number of legal steps need to be followed. Once the council formally publishes the notice confirming the order, which is expected to be in early November, there is then a six-week challenge period, followed by reasonable notice being given to the existing tenants of Crossways. It is not envisaged the council will have full vacant possession of the site until spring 2022.
(Image: Steve Pope)
Cllr Cowell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, added; “We are delighted to receive this news. Following a lot of hard work, this latest milestone moves us even closer to achieving our regeneration ambition for Paignton. ”
Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, Torbay Council, said; “This is fantastic news for the residents of Paignton who have been waiting a long time for the site to be demolished and redeveloped. We set the wheels in motion for the compulsory purchase of Crossways back in August 2020, following requests from local residents to do something with the site. Whilst it’s not quite time to bring in the heavy demolition machinery just yet, we are that little bit closer to delivering high-quality suitable affordable homes for local people that meet their specific care and support needs.”
Planning for the site was agreed in February 2021. It is proposed the redevelopment of the site will be carried out by TorVista Homes Limited, a company wholly owned by the council.
On Boxing Day 2020 it was announced that Torbay Council had successfully secured £13.36m of Future High Streets Funding for the transformation of Paignton town centre. Projects set to benefit from this funding include the redevelopment of Station Square, Crossways and the Victoria Centre.
A council spokesman added: “This is an exciting time for Torbay with a number of multi-million pound projects happening across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Investment in Torbay’s towns, local economy, transport, infrastructure, culture and heritage will provide residents with spaces to thrive and future proof the area for generations to come. “
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