Go-ahead for improved Paignton clifftop homes plan

Councillors who unanimously backed a plan for new homes on a clifftop site overlooking an award-winning Torbay beach decided it was much better than a design they passed five years ago.

MDP Development has been given the green light to build 10 new homes on a plot at the junction of Alta Vista Road and Roundham Gardens in Paignton, a cliff-top plot looking out over Goodrington Sands.
Architects behind the new housing complex say its design is inspired by the resort’s beach huts.
The committee agreed that the latest plans were a marked improvement on a permission granted in 2020 for a completely different design on the same plot.
That one featured one long block with a red tiled roof. This one offers a row of six homes with individual roofs and balconies.
The six ‘townhouses’ looking out from the clifftop with have four ‘coach houses’ tucked in behind them.
Designers Lebrasse Architecture and Planning say they have ‘drawn inspiration from the local beach hut vernacular’.
Speaking on behalf of the applicants, Amy Roberts said: “This is an urban, brownfield, residential site in a sustainable location. It is much-needed, sustainable development that would boost the supply of housing at a time when Torbay is experiencing a significant shortfall.”
And, said Ms Roberts, the new plan could be delivered quickly and was an improvement on the one approved five years ago. Some preparation work has already taken place on the site since the previous permission was granted.
Cllr Andrew Strang (Con, Furzeham with Summercombe) agreed, saying: “Looking at this development versus the original, it looks far nicer.”
And Cllr Adam Billings (Con, Churston with Galmpton) added: “What we have before us now looks far more aesthetically pleasing.”
Committee chairman Martin Brook (Con, Collaton St Mary) summed up: “We have had planning permission for work on this site for decades, and this is not just a marked improvement on the past, it gets rid of a derelict site and gets something done quickly.”