Shared solution reached for Vaughan Road taxi rank

Constructive collaboration between Torbay Council officers, local businesses, the Hackney Carriage trade, and community groups has delivered a practical short‑term solution for the Vaughan Road taxi rank while wider harbourside regeneration plans progress.

A shared agreement has been reached on the short‑term future of the Vaughan Road taxi rank following constructive collaboration between our officers, local businesses, the Hackney Carriage trade, and community groups. The partnership has helped shape a pragmatic interim solution while longer‑term regeneration plans for Torquay harbourside and the town centre continue to move forward.

The agreed approach acknowledges that the current rank is not ideal for all stakeholders, but it provides a workable temporary arrangement that can be delivered quickly and reinstates almost five metres of green space at Cary Green.

SWISCo will carry out the initial works between Monday 9 and Friday 13 March. This phase will focus on removing most of the tarmac and reinstating green space, with landscaping and planting to follow.

As part of the interim solution, we will:

• Retain a 1.8m accessible footpath. Meeting minimum footpath requirements.
• Remove tarmac not need for the footpath and reinstate 2.8 metres of green space with appropriate edging.
• Introduce a low‑level hedge to soften the visual impact of the rank and footpath.
• Remove hard standing and reinstate a further 1.5 metres of green space.
• Level the corner of Cary Green and Palk Street and install boulders to prevent vehicle encroachment.
• Relocate the finger post sign to maintain fully accessible footpath access.

No vehicles will be placed on Cary Green at any stage.

The Council remain committed to removing the Vaughan Road taxi rank entirely as part of the Pavilion restoration programme—estimated at around three years—or sooner if funding becomes available for taxi rank and public realm improvements on Victoria Parade. Work will continue with the Hackney Carriage trade to ensure future arrangements meet operational needs while supporting the wider regeneration vision.

They would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of local partners, including Rodney Horder (Torquay Neighbourhood Planning Forum), Julie Brandon for her liaison with community groups such as the Save Torquay Pavilion Group and Friends of Cary Green, and Anthony Jones (Founder and Chair of Torquay Independent Business Owners). Ongoing engagement with businesses, community representatives, and residents will remain central as regeneration plans progress.

Taxi customers will be able to use nearby ranks on Fleet Street (lower end) and Victoria Parade while the works take place. The Vaughan Road rank is expected to reopen on the evening of Friday 13 March.