TORBAY councillors have insisted their decision to give the go-ahead to further negotiations on the Torquay seafront development shows Torbay is 'open for business'.

The scheme has taken a major step forward with the unanimous decision by the council to enter lease negotiations with the Nicolas James Group.

The shape of the project has changed markedly since the group first unveiled, in February 2010, plans to build a hotel on the marina car park, refurbish the Pavilion, and new apartments and restaurants on a widened prom.

It was initially sunk by public opposition to proposed building on sections of the Torquay promenade to finance improvements to the prom.

After the public outcry, and a change of mayor, it has been made clear no building will take place on either Princess Gardens or the promenade.

Instead, there will be development on Cary Green as part of the scheme which will be subject to planning.

At the full council meeting, members were reassured that the Agatha Christie bust currently in the gardens would be moved to a safe place.

Cllr Chris Lewis said the new proposal was probably now a better scheme than it was two years ago.

"It was probably worth waiting to make sure we have got it right. It is the start of the regeneration of Torquay, with the Rock Walk and Palm Court, and this as the final piece of the jigsaw," he said.

Cllr Mike Morey said the area needed regeneration as quickly as possible while safeguarding the Princess Gardens for future generations.

Cllr Jenny Faulkner said she was not perturbed by the scheme taking a long time as they had properly consulted the public.

She said: "But, hopefully, now we can get on with this as quickly as possible."

Lib Dem Steve Darling said if past mayor Nick Bye had not proposed 'barriers' along the seafront, quicker progress would have been made.

He was disappointed that proposals for an underground car park and improvements to the banjo had been lost as it would have benefited the Princess Theatre.

Cllr Darren Cowell said it was well overdue in what is a very tired area.

"It also send out tremendous message that Torbay is going to be open for business. It may also send out a message about the potential to redevelop the arcade side of the green," he said.

Mayor Gordon Oliver said he had hopefully built up some 'trust' with the developer. The scheme would be subject to planning.