Torbay residents have six weeks to shape the Local Plan

Torbay residents, businesses and other stakeholders can now comment on the plan set to guide development across the Bay through to 2040. The free Torbay Local Plan Regulation 19 Consultation is open online from 4pm on Thursday 13 August until 11.59pm on Thursday 24 September 2026.

This is the final public consultation stage before the Preferred Option Local Plan is considered for independent examination. It is aimed at people who want to comment on whether the document is ready to move forward, rather than reopening every earlier planning choice.

Dates, access and who can take part

The consultation covers the emerging Local Plan for Torbay, Devon. Once adopted, the council says the document will become the legal starting point for decisions on planning applications, setting the framework for homes, jobs, infrastructure, sustainable communities and environmental protection.

The four tests behind the Regulation 19 consultation

This stage follows a Regulation 18 consultation held between November 2025 and January 2026. Feedback from that earlier process, alongside updated evidence and technical assessments completed during 2026, has informed the Preferred Option Local Plan now published by Torbay Council.

At Regulation 19, comments are being sought on whether the plan is sound. In practical terms, the council is asking whether it is the right plan for Torbay, whether it is supported by the right evidence, whether it follows national planning policy and legislation, and whether it is ready for examination by a Planning Inspector appointed by the Government.

That focus matters for anyone preparing a response: this is a chance to address the plan’s evidence base and readiness for examination, as well as the way its proposals could shape Torbay over the coming years.

From public comments to an inspector’s examination

After the consultation closes, Torbay Council will review the representations it receives and prepare the final draft of the plan. The next stated milestone is a report to full Council in December 2026, seeking approval to submit the Local Plan to the Secretary of State.

If submitted, the plan will then be independently examined by a Planning Inspector. Torbay Council anticipates adoption in 2027 or 2028.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said the plan is intended to set out how Torbay can provide homes, jobs and infrastructure while protecting the Bay’s environment and distinctive character. He said the earlier consultation feedback had helped develop the publication version now under review.

How to submit a representation before 24 September

The Local Plan documents and the route for submitting comments are available through Torbay Council’s Local Plan consultation page. Comments must be submitted during the six-week consultation window, which closes at 11.59pm on Thursday 24 September 2026.

The council will use the representations received at this stage before seeking approval in December to submit the plan for independent examination.

Source: Torbay Council