Go-ahead for homes on Paignton landmark site

A charity working to help some of Torbay’s most vulnerable young people has been given the go-ahead to turn a Paignton landmark into homes.

Torbay Council’s planning committee gave its unanimous backing to an application from the YMCA to house eight people in two flats and a maisonette at Ravenswood, overlooking the harbour.
For the past 40 years, the three-storey building in Cliff Road has been home to the Paignton Sea Anglers Association.
Nearly 40 objections were received from local residents, who said they felt the development was already a ‘done deal’, and would create a multi-occupancy ‘hostel’ in a prime tourism location. Some said they were concerned about anti-social behaviour.
However, Cllr Swithin Long (Lib Dem, Barton with Watcombe) told the committee: “This is much-needed move-on accommodation for young people who have had a tough start in life.
“Without it, at best, they will be stuck in insecure private accommodation without much support. That will not help them turn their lives around.
“I would argue that this proposal will help tackle anti-social behaviour by giving young people reasons to believe in their lives.”
Si Johns of YMCA Exeter said some of the comments made against the development had been ‘hateful and discriminatory’
More than £4 million in government funding has already been secured for the project, but the money must be spent by the end of March. Councillors said there were no reasons to turn down the application on planning grounds, although there were concerns about the possible height of a boundary fence.
Cllr Mike Fox (Lib Dem, Barton with Watcombe) said the expertise of the YMCA had ensured the success of a similar project in Exeter, and Cllr Mandy Darling (Lib Dem, Tormohun) added: “Everybody deserves a chance.
“I’m mindful of the concerns, but I believe residents’ fears have been allayed.”
The property will be run by YMCA Exeter as supported accommodation for young people aged between 18 and 25 with a direct connection to Torbay.