Torbay Council sets out new English Riviera Beach Standards for Cabinet consideration

Torbay are setting out the proposed English Riviera Beach Standards (ERBS), a new awards framework designed specifically for the unique coastline of the English Riviera.

If approved by Cabinet on Tuesday 17 February, the new system would replace the Blue Flag scheme with a more appropriate and locally accountable approach to managing and celebrating Torbay’s 25 beaches and coves.

The English Riviera Beach Standards (ERBS) would introduce three simple categories that better reflect the character and quality of each beach across the Bay:

• Excellence – celebrating the highest‑performing beaches offering outstanding quality in every area. These beaches deliver a consistently exceptional visitor experience.
• Quality – recognising beaches that shine through their unique character and bespoke offerings. These beaches reflect the individuality and charm of our coast.
• Natural – appreciating beautiful, unspoilt beaches where nature takes priority over facilities.

If endorsed by Cabinet, ERBS would replace the Blue Flag scheme that has marked Torbay’s beaches since the inception of the awards in 1987. The beaches would be assessed annually, and if approved, flags would be in place from the start of the bathing season on 15 May. The current ratings would be applicable for 12 months.

The proposed new framework would strengthen Torbay’s wider environmental commitments, including its dedication to the UNESCO Global Geopark, and support the ambition to becoming a more sustainable visitor destination. It would play an important role in strengthening our vision to offer world‑class on and in the water experiences, while ensuring facilities are sustainable, low‑carbon and environmentally responsible. These awards would help to showcase Torbay’s natural assets, attract new audiences and encourage more people to enjoy the Bay’s unique coastline.

The new system would enable us to prioritise what matters most to residents, visitors and the environment, and it would provide clearer information, greater confidence, and a much more accurate picture of what each beach offers. This includes:

• Enhanced water quality monitoring
• Stronger focus on environmental protection and sustainability
• Improved visitor experience through clearer information
• Better value for money and operational flexibility
• A more accurate representation of Torbay’s coastline and identity

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said:

“Torbay’s coastline is central to our identity, and these new beach awards will highlight just how deeply we value and protect it. It is a highly positive step forward for our destination.

By creating a locally designed system, we can focus on what truly matters to our communities, our visitors and our environment. This approach gives us the flexibility to recognise the full diversity of our beaches and ensure they continue to be places people are proud of and love to enjoy.”

All of Torbay’s beaches offer something special, whether you’re enjoying a family day by the sea or setting out to discover Torbay’s hidden coves and coastal gems along the South West Coast Path. All of Torbay’s beaches would remain dog‑friendly, with the existing seasonal restrictions continuing to apply.

Torbay Council are proud of the the outstanding coastline, and the beaches would be rated as follows:

• Excellence: Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Torre Abbey, Broadsands, Breakwater
• Quality: Maidencombe, Anstey’s Cove, Goodrington North, Goodrington South
• Natural: Watcombe, Petitor, Babbacombe, Peaked Tor, Corbyn Head, Livermead, Fairy Cove, Oyster Cove, Saltern Cove, Armchair Cove, Elberry Cove, Churston, Fishcombe, St Mary’s Bay, Beacon Cove, Hollicombe

Paignton and Preston beaches are currently not listed due to the ongoing Waterfront Improvement Project which is due for completion in spring 2027. The Council will seek to include them in the future once the works have been fully completed.

The proposals will be considered by Cabinet on Tuesday 17 February. Access to the Cabinet meeting is available via the following link: Committee details - Cabinet