Developers plan to reduce height of scheme

THE planning application for the multi-million pound Torwood Street redevelopment has been delayed for almost two months.

But it has been revealed the plans for the shopping, cinema and hotel complex near Torquay harbourside have been delayed because they have been changed after feedback from the public.

The height of the 10-storey hotel tower block at the centre of the redevelopment is being reduced, developers confirm.

The site is on land from 4 to 24 Torwood Street and on the former garage of the Royal Hotel, below The Terrace

Drawings were unveiled in April for a four-screen cinema, hotel, luxury apartments, shops and restaurants with covered access from The Terrace to Torwood Street.

Developers New Riviera Estates, which originally hoped to submit a detailed planning application to Torbay Council in May, says the plan has been altered after a detailed public consultation exercise.

After feedback the height of the hotel tower block is being reduced and the design has changed.

Explaining the delay, Peter Tisdale of New Riviera Estates, said: "The submission of the detailed planning application has been slightly delayed because we are making a number of amendments to our proposals, including changes to the proposed design and height, following extensive and constructive feedback from the local community. Nonetheless we hope to submit the application imminently."

Torbay mayor Nick Bye has supported plans for the development of Torwood Street.

When the plans were first announced he said: "I welcome the principle of investment in a key site."

It has been revealed the architect behind the multi-million pound development was fined for 'unacceptable professional conduct' last year.

Architect Trevor Spurway, who has drawn up the plans, was found guilty of professional misconduct and ordered to pay a fine of £1,000 last June.

The penalty came after the Taunton-based architect appeared in front of the professional conduct committee of the Architects Registration Board.

The regulatory body found him guilty after he failed to provide evidence of his professional indemnity insurance.

Mr Spurway said last June's disciplinary action was a clerical error.

He said: "This was an historic clerical matter that bears no reference to the work which we are conducting on behalf of New Riviera Estates.

"All planning and design requirements have been met for the proposed scheme in Torwood Street and the team at Trevor Spurway (Architect) Limited is fully committed to producing a landmark development to benefit the economic growth of Torquay."