Battery recycling to be halted after eight fires
The local authority stops battery recycling after eight fires in its refuse vehicles and tips. Source link
Protected status granted to quarry buffer woodland
The woodland receives official protection but councillors warn it could still be at risk in future. Source link
Born Free poster found during cinema restoration
Poster about two lions used in Born Free moving to Paignton Zoo found in roof. Source link
New electric buses too big to serve two Torquay streets
New electric buses will no longer be able to serve two streets in Devon because the vehicles are too big to squeeze through.Changes in Torquay from 1 February are due to affect the 35A and 35C services, which will no longer serve Park Road and Hartop Road.Bus operator Stagecoach said the service changes were "necessary" so its new buses could operate safely and reliably. It plans to operate 55 zero-emission buses across Torbay, providing what it said would…
Latest plans to redevelop fire-hit Exeter hotel approved
Councillors have approved plans to restore a former hotel after it was gutted by fire almost a decade ago.Devon County Council on Monday voted to back the latest plans for the Royal Clarance Hotel after the blaze in October 2016.The Local Democracy Reporting Service said permission was granted in October 2022 to the previous owners of the site for 25 new apartments, with some costing up to £1m.Planners were asked to consider the latest proposals, which come with…
Torbay fishermen generate £1.5m for local council
Guy HendersonLocal Democracy Reporting ServicePiers Mucklejohn/PA WireThe council will spend almost £4.4m running the harbours in the 2026/27 financial yearTorbay Council has made more than £1m through fishing tolls since April, a tax on fishers who operate in the authority's three harbours.The toll, levied by the council on catches through its Brixham, Paignton and Torquay harbours, tops £1.5m in the current financial year.It is a levy on fish and shellfish landed, sold, or shipped in the bay, and…
Torbay given ‘good’ rating for adult social care
Care for vulnerable adults in Torbay has been given a 'good' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) but inspectors said "significant waiting times" for care plan reviews need to be tackled.The CQC said the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust provided "joined up" services and partnership with the community and voluntary sector. CQC inspector, Chris Badger, said staff were "committed to early intervention" to avoid unnecessary care home admissions and help people be independent at home.Anna…
Exeter City Council to borrow more than £1m for solar panels
More than £1m is to be borrowed to fit six buildings with solar panels, a city council has said.Exeter City Council estimated the initiative would save it about £100,000 every year and cut emissions.Members of the full council voted in favour of installing solar panels at six sites including Exeter Arena sports centre, St Sidwell's Point leisure centre, Wonford Leisure Centre, the Guildhall car park, Exeter bus station and the Senate offices, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.A…
Torquay taxi driver suspended after conduct complaints
A taxi driver has had her licence suspended with immediate effect following a series of complaints.Torbay Council's regulatory sub-committee made the decision after viewing CCTV footage of two traffic incidents, including the driver reversing into oncoming traffic at a Torquay taxi rank and a near-miss at Paignton railway station, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.Other allegations included sleeping in her cab while on duty, refusing card payments, failing to queue properly, and aggressive behaviour.The unnamed driver, who denied…
Plans for nine homes to be built at hospital in Brixham
Nine new homes could be built at a hospital site.The development was proposed by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust and approved by Torbay Council in principle, with more details to be filed later.The land off Greenswood Road, in Brixham, is on a greenfield area within the built-up confines of the hospital.Brixham Town Council did not object to the plans, which were approved by officers and have not been on the agenda for Torbay Council's planning committee.The…
Paignton faces big changes as council unveils ‘vision’
A town could lose its bus station but gain a new supermarket and multi-storey car park under a plan for its future. Torbay Council's cabinet has signed off on a document outlining a "vision" for regeneration for Paignton, which will now go out for discussion with residents and developers."It is about promoting Paignton to the outside world," said deputy leader, councillor Chris Lewis."It is about sharing the fact that we are serious about the regeneration of the town.…
Torbay Council plans to sell historic monastery despite campaign
A Devon council is looking to sell the former Victorian-era monastery despite campaigners wanting to turn it into a community centre. Councillors and campaigners in the Clifton with Maidenway ward proposed the building in Paignton to be used for a community centre. The former monastery opened in 1883 and once was home to the Marist priests, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.A report meeting of the cabinet committee said the building should not be listed as an asset…