THE war of words raging over that fish restaurant plan for Babbacombe Downs shows no sign of letting up.

But one of the biggest complaints from the anti-brigade — that they have not been able to have a say in Nigel Bloxham's proposals for the current public loos site — may about to be addressed and in more ways than one.

Mr Bloxham (pictured) has confirmed he is forging ahead with plans to stage his own public meeting.

Traders in Torquay are being given the chance to give their verdict for the first time.

And deputy mayor Chris Lewis, the councillor in charge of the Bay's regeneration projects, has also pledged a public forum before any scheme goes before planners.

Developers are currently given just a few minutes to speak at planning committee meetings but no questions from councillors or the public are permitted.

Cllr Lewis says that with such multi-million pound proposals on the table that simply isn't good enough.

He says public meetings on the plans for Torwood Street and, more recently, proposals for Torquay seafront, have given the public the chance to have their say — more than 350 peopled turned out for the promenade plan.

Cllr Lewis says: "For any major developments in the Bay we will now have public meetings where the developer can present.

"We will be recommending that there is a public meeting before this (the restaurant plan) goes to planning."

Whether the meeting is to be council or ward partnership-driven is not yet clear.

Torquay Chamber of Trade and Commerce will be given its first chance to comment on the project at a meeting at the Imperial Hotel on March 10 at 7pm.

Newly-elected chairman James Cross says Mr Bloxham and Torbay Development Agency boss Steve Parrock will be there.

He added: "It is not an open meeting. It is a general meeting for members and it is to try to generate more people to come to meetings."

Does he have a view on the restaurant idea?

"It is too early to have a view. We will listen to what is said," said Mr Cross.

"We are trying to build up membership. I do not want to be too controversial on anything."

Mr Bloxham has confirmed he will be attending and believes he has the support of the traders.

He claims: "They say they want to encourage entrepreneurs."

He has yet to name a date for his meeting but has lined up a venue.

He says "It will be a smaller venue so it can be controlled.

"Our meeting is to say here are views and here are our proposals. We will listen to the comments. Numbers will be limited.

"Everybody should have the opportunity to speak. It's not a crowd."

Babbacombe councillor Alan Faulkner, a fierce opponent of the plans, maintains the Imperial Hotel meeting can't be seen as part of a consultation process.

He says: "It is not going out to the public like we did with the Cary Arms. It will be invited people."

He insists: "Let's have consultation about this before we go any further.

"People are writing from Scotland and all over the place about it.

"There are petitions and there is still a great anti-feeling.

"People do not want it there. As the local councillor I represent them and will fight tooth and nail to stop it."

Now back to the war of words — which are now being aimed at yours truly!"

Mrs S Sage, of Babbacombe Downs Road, wrote to me saying: "I was under the impression that the Herald Express reported local issues without prejudice, but on this matter it would seem that you are acting as Mr Bloxham's PR man!"

She, too, called for a public meeting, suggesting Babbacombe Theatre as a possible venue.

She talks of precedents being set if the development is allowed and she insists views will be obstructed by the new building.

Mrs Sage writes: "I do not blame Mr Bloxham for taking advantage of the council's generosity but I do blame the mayor and his cohorts for giving away public land protected under a covenant purely because they claim they are unable to find the money to maintain the toilets.

"We are accused of being against change. The National Trust and English Heritage are also against change if it is the wrong sort of change.

"People are drawn to this area from all over the country because of the open aspect of the Downs and the fantastic views, so why destroy what actually attracts tourists all year round?"

The she takes another pop at me by saying: "You concluded your column with 'really, what is the problem?', and on another occasion 'It's a no-brainer'.

"Don't you think that this may be insulting to people who care passionately about the Downs?"

Now then, now then, let me make my position clear. I am not out to insult anybody. I don't want to see the Bay turned into a concrete jungle. I don't want to see it die either.

I respect other people's point of view and I am not in anybody's pocket.

May the war of words continue... as long as they are constructive.