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6 March 2008 After a long period of waiting while consultants have been looking at Torbay's development proposals, things are at last starting to happen and reports are reportedly starting to circulate. Mostly confidential still, for councillor's eyes only, but a report does exist.
Meanwhile the Mayor of Torbay's advisors have been busy on their blueprint for the future development of Torbay. It stresses the need for concentrating development in existing centres of population, Paignton is particularly criticised for its urban sprawl, as well as pointing out that the rural areas surrounding Torbay are in fact a stunning backdrop of glorious countryside. We of course all knew this, which is why we have been fighting to stop Torbay Council digging it all up. Progress in small steps.
The reports are really rather good and well worth reading plus there is a video to watch. To gainfully pass some time, follow this link;
http://WWW.Torbay.gov.UK/index/council/electedmayor/mayoralvision.htm
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The Yalberton Valley walk on Sunday 11 February led by Herald Express columnist Brian Carter was a great success with over 150 people, including local MP Anthony Steen and Torbay Mayor Nick Bye, joining us to campaign against Torbay Council's development proposals for the valley.
Brian Carter led the two mile walk through this beautiful valley, stopping periodically to let walkers appreciate particular picturesque views. Brian Carter organised the walk to draw public attention to possible development of the valley in an effort so save this 'green corner of the resort'. 'The rural beauty of the place spoke for itself....it's the territory of a variety of wildlife.'
The number of people who turned out for the walk gave a clear indication of the strength of feeling against Torbay Council's development proposals.
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Herald Express Friday 19 January 2007
Brixham MP Anthony Steen voiced his opposition to 700 new homes at Yalberton Valley. At a meeting with top Torbay Council officers, Mike Yeo and Mike Fox at Roebuck House, the MP said that 'Yalberton was a non-starter'
The new mini town would make life 'intolerable' for the neighbours and the council should focus on underused Bay sites and not its green hinterland, he said.
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Previous news...
If you managed to get along to Broadsands beach on New Year's day to either participate in, or just watch the Polar Bear Swim, then thank you very much for supporting the Yalberton Valley Action Group.
Thank you to everyone who came along to the two public meetings to express their opposition to Torbay Council's plans for the development of Yalberton Valley.
The council were very obviously surprised at the amount of opposition to their proposals and were on the back foot when questioned about their process in getting Yalberton Valley to be the preferred site. Eventually we got an apology from the officers involved and a promise, after consultation with the appropriate government department, to remove the 'preferred' tag from the Yalberton Valley proposal, so that it stands equally alongside the other seven possible sites for urban expansion.
After all the controversy about the plans through two public meetings, an investigation is to be held into the council's handling of the Yalberton Valley proposal, which elected mayor Nick Bye said were ' a complete cock-up'. Hopefully the result of the investigation will be made public.
The process now seems to be that all eight proposed sites will go forward to public consultation in the spring/summer of 2007.
Meanwhile the question of the proposed waste facilities/incinerator is as vague as ever. Devon County is wanting to build four incinerators throughout the county: will Torbay follow with one of its own?