Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 20th April 2023) below:
Short-Term Lets
I welcome the publication by the Government of two consultations relating to short-term lets.
The first relates to requiring planning permission to convert an existing home into a short-term let. The second relates to setting up a registration scheme for them.
An appropriate level of such accommodation can provide additional choice and attract visitors. Yet in recent years there has been evidence growing numbers in popular coastal locations are impacting on the local housing supply. This has included local families being evicted from what had been their home to create a new holiday let.
I therefore backed an amendment calling for Planning Permission to be required to convert an existing home into use as a short-term let, as part of the consideration of the Levelling Up Bill last year. Requiring planning permission will give local communities, including Torbay, an opportunity to decide what is the right balance in their area in terms of allowing the creation of new holiday accommodation, whilst protecting what are family homes and ensuring new housing developments cannot become a new holiday park.
In response to the amendment the Government promised to act, hence the consultation now being launched, one I would urge all with an interest in this area to get involved in.
Anti-Social Behaviour
Following the success of Operation Loki in Torquay Town Centre, it is welcome to hear a similar approach is now underway in Paignton.
Increasing Police resources as part of local and national uplift programmes, with a record number of Police Officers in Devon & Cornwall, create an opportunity to tackle issues regularly raised with me by residents and local traders, including anti-social behaviour and assaults linked to groups of youths. The work which could be done and priorities for it being part of the patrol I undertook with the Paignton Police team recently.
I am advised the intention is for the Police to target key issues, such as Anti-Social Behaviour, Drug and Alcohol use, shoplifting and youth violence within specific localities of Paignton. This includes specific areas cited locally and, in the media, namely Victoria Park and Car Park, Lidl Square, Parkfields Community Centre, Esplanade Geo Park, Paignton Sea Front and the Pier. A dispersal order was also in place in the Town Centre and on the Seafront over the weekend to give the Police extra powers to break up groups.
This action is welcome, especially if it is followed by moves to create a permanently more visible Police presence in the Town Centre.
Great Escape
It was great to see Torquay United get another 3 points on Saturday, making it 5 wins in a row. The Great Escape is on!
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 21st April 10am till 12Noon at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT and Saturday 29th April 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2RB.
Surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
