Over 100 homes could be built at ex-holiday park

More than 100 new homes could be built on the site of a former holiday park in south Devon.

Plans have been submitted to Torbay Council for the demolition of lodges and the construction of 110 homes at Sladnor Park, Maidencombe, in Torquay.

Built in 1800, the former folly was a holiday complex from the 1970s until it closed in 1988, and has since been subject to a number of planning applications.

Building applicants Pegasus Group said the site had the opportunity to "create one of the best places to live" in the district that had "historical significance".

Most of the buildings on the site have been demolished over the years including the main house after a fire in 1994, says the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It has been the subject of a number of planning applications since then, with proposals including a golf course and fishing lakes.

Outline planning permission was previously given for a retirement village.

In 2021, a proposal for a retirement community was refused because of its landscape impact, inadequate drainage and lack of affordable housing.

Pegasus said it wanted to create a "landscape-dominated new place to live, work and play".

"Sladnor Park will be a highly desirable place to live for the 21st Century and beyond.

"The proposals respect the local character but also move the community towards a more sustainable future, through a significant increase in housing choice."

It added: "The aim is to achieve a development with a strong identity and distinct sense of place, whilst at the same time integrating with the existing community."

Several groups have opposed developing the area, including the Maidencombe Residents' Association.

The group's website notes: "Sladnor is located in a unique and highly environmentally sensitive area, it is rich in historic character and the home of numerous rare and protected wildlife species."

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