TORBAY STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES 2004-2007 - Torbay Council

TORBAY STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES 

2004-2007 

Adopted 

March 2004

Torbay Council Streetscape Guidelines 2004-2007 

Contents 

A Vision for Torbay's Streets ............................................................5 

1.0 Introduction ........................................................................7 

1.1 Definition of Streetscape ....................................................11 

1.2 Preparation of 'Torbay Streetscape Guidelines' ....................13 

1.3 Existing Problems ................................................................15 

1.4 The Way Forward ..............................................................19 

2.0 Improving the Streetscape ..............................................22 

2.1 Approach............................................................................24 

3.0 General Design Principles................................................26 

3.1 High Amenity Areas ............................................................27 

3.2 Conservation Areas ............................................................28 

3.3 Key Gateways ....................................................................30 

3.4 Other Areas ........................................................................31 

3.5 Safety Issues........................................................................32 

3.6 Access for All ......................................................................33 

3.7 Design Process....................................................................34 

4.0 Key Issues and Materials Schedule..................................38 

4.1 Torquay Waterfront ............................................................39 

4.2 Fleet Street, Torquay ..........................................................40 

4.3 Union Street, Torquay ........................................................42 

4.4 Castle Circus, Torquay ........................................................44 

4.5 Torwood Street, Torquay ....................................................46 

4.6 Victoria Street, Torquay Road, Hyde Road 

and Torbay Road, Paignton ................................................48 

4.7 Old Paignton ......................................................................51 

4.8 Paignton Seafront and Harbour ..........................................53 

4.9 Brixham Harbour ................................................................57 

4.10 Fore Street, Middle Street and Town Square, Brixham ........60 

4.11 Conservation Areas ............................................................63 

4.12 Key Gateways ....................................................................66 

4.13 District and Local Shopping Centres....................................68 

4.14 Residential Streets ..............................................................70 

4.15 Parks and Gardens ..............................................................72 

3

Streetscape Guidelines 2004-2007 

Torbay Council 

5.0 Programme for Adoption and Implementation ..............74 

5.1 Immediate Action ..............................................................74 

5.2 Medium to Long Term Action ............................................75 

5.2 Review................................................................................76 

Appendix One: 

Plymouth Hoe Cafe 

Seagull sculpture 

Design Guide for Streetscape Elements..........................................78 

A1.1 Surfacing Materials ............................................................78 

A1.2 Street Furniture ..................................................................91 

A1.3 Signage ............................................................................101 

A1.4 Lighting ............................................................................107 

A1.5 Public Art..........................................................................108 

A1.6 Soft Landscape..................................................................110 

A1.7 Management and Maintenance ........................................114 

Appendix Two: 

Specific Guidelines for each Conservation Area ..........................116 

Appendix Three: 

References ..................................................................................145 

Tree & bikes at Bristol 

Appendix Four: 

Schedule of Streetscape Materials and Furniture ........................146 

4


A Vision for Torbay's Streets 

The Torbay Community Plan (April 2004) sets out a vision for the future of Torbay to be 'A healthy, prosperous 

community, living, learning and relaxing in a safe and beautiful bay.' 

The quality of our streets and public spaces is vital to the realisation of this vision. We spend much of our daily lives 

in our streets, interacting with other members of the community and our environment. Our streets form an important 

part of the impression we give to visitors to Torbay. 

Our Vision for Torbay's streets is that they will be high quality, well-designed places that are 

vibrant, fun and enjoyable to spend time in. Our streets will be comfortable and safe for 

pedestrians, accessible to all, and attractive pleasant places that enhance the quality and 

character of Torbay's three towns; Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. 

These guidelines explain the approach we will take in developing and maintaining our streets. 

Councillor Colin Charlwood 

Executive Member 

for the Environment 

For further information please contact: 

Torbay Council, Town Hall, Castle Circus, Torquay TQ1 3DR 

Tel 01803 201201 Or email: fss@torbay.gov.uk 

www.torbay.gov.uk/index/living/development-conservation/conservation.htm 

5

Fleet Street, 1906


1.0 Introduction 

Torbay's environment (made up of its built, historic and natural environments) is vital to its success as a place 

for people to live and work, and as a tourist resort. The provision of high quality public spaces in the centre of 

our towns, and in the neighbourhoods surrounding these areas, is essential to improve the quality of life for the 

people who use these spaces. 

Introduction 

'Streets account for about 80% of public space in urban areas.' They are the primary space for public 

interaction and activity in our towns. Despite their importance to our daily lives in recent times our streets 

have lacked investment and good management. The Prime Minister has said; 'the one public service that we 

use all the time is the streets where we live. And in too many places, streets and public spaces have become 

dirty, ugly and dangerous….' This has created problems that go beyond appearance and function, impacting 

upon the attitudes and perceptions of the people living around and using our town centres. A recent Mori poll 

revealed that road and pavement repairs and clean streets are a high priority for the public: 'The problem is 

that people do not see where they live as safe enough, green enough or clean enough…. People are not happy 

- in relative terms - about their quality of life.' 

'Well-designed, well-ordered and well-maintained streets and public spaces are an expression of a confident 

and caring community.' This, in turn, engenders public pride and economic confidence. Spaces that are 

user-friendly, secure and easy to get around are well used and safe. 

Good Streetscape - Fore Street 

Poor Streetscape - Victoria Parade, 

Torquay 

English Heritage have recently campaigned to improve the quality of our streets. Their 'Save our Streets' 

campaign encouraged people to assess the quality of their streets, and campaign to their local council to 

reduce clutter, improve paving and calm traffic. 

UDAL/ICE, The 2002 Designing Streets for People Report, 2002, p7. 

Tony Blair, Conference speech, Croydon, June 2000. 

Mori. 'The Rising Prominence of Liveability or are we condemned to a life of grime' Sept 2002. 

English Heritage and partners, Streets for All - a guide to the management of London's streets, March 2000, pVI. 

Good Streetscape - Union Street 

7



Introduction 

Poor Streetscape - Union Street, Torquay 

The Torbay Community Plan (April 2004) sets out a vision for Torbay based around eight themes. Of these 

themes, Making Torbay a safer place; Improving health and social care in Torbay; Improving Torbay's economy; 

Valuing our environment; Developing Torbay's culture and Creating 'sustainable' communities are all at the 

heart of the Torbay Streetscape Guidelines. By creating an attractive, pedestrian environment we will create 

pleasant spaces that encourages greater pedestrian activity - with improved safety and health benefits to the 

community, and potential environmental benefits through reduction in the use of the car. Torbay's streets are 

its shop window, by creating high quality public spaces we will attract visitors into our Town Centres, with 

benefits to the local economy. By providing high quality places we will encourage visitors to stay, linger and 

return to Torbay. By involving the local community in the design of our public spaces and streets, we will 

increase social inclusion and assist in the development of local communities. 

Good Streetscape - Temperance Street, 

Torquay 

'Transforming Torbay' (Torbay Council's Strategic and Performance Plan 2003) identified improving the physical 

appearance of Torbay's towns, and improving cleanliness and streetcleaning within Torbay, as two of its key 

objectives. This will be achieved through a combination of specific improvement schemes such as the Torquay 

Central Area Traffic Schemes, Torquay Waterfront Public Realm Improvements and the completion of Winner 

Street HERS Scheme. The implementation of these Streetscape Guidelines will co-ordinate the use of materials 

and furniture to create a simple, clear streetscape, and a review of street cleaning and maintenance schedules 

and monitoring. 

These Streetscape Guidelines summarise the design principles that need to be considered when designing and 

implementing streetscape works, and provide a schedule of suitable materials appropriate for each area of 

Torbay. The document is prepared in advance of an Urban Design Framework that will help to guide the form 

of development, regeneration and environmental improvements in the town centres. 

In addition, the areas outside of the town centres, Torbay's 27 local centres and numerous local open spaces, 

need to be carefully assessed and improved through management regimes and local interventions. Community 

involvement will be essential to ensure that these community spaces are successful and meet the needs and 

aspirations of the people that use them. Environmental Improvements in these areas should be carefully 

Poor Streetscape - Paignton Esplanade 

8


developed in accordance with the emerging Green Space Strategy that will guide the design and management 

of these public spaces and streets. 

The palette of materials proposed is not a substitute for good design, maintenance and cleaning. Good quality 

urban and landscape design must be an essential component of all street and public open space 

improvements, which must form part of an overall urban design strategy that promotes high quality throughout 

the built environment. If these spaces are then not properly maintained, the improvements are likely to be 

very short lived. 

A summary version of this document is available on Torbay Council's website www.torbay.gov.uk 

Poor Streetscape - Fleet Walk, Torquay 

Introduction 

Good Streetscape - Victoria Street, 

Paignton 

Poor Streetscape - Middle Street, 

Brixham 

9

Poor Quality Streetscape - Fleet Walk 

and The Strand, Torquay


1.1 Definition of Streetscape 

'Streetscape' is a term used to describe the natural and built fabric of the street. 

'Paving the Way' (CABE) defines streetscape as 'the design quality of the street and its visual effect, particularly 

how the paved area (carriageway and footway) is laid out and treated.' It includes buildings, the street surface, 

and also the fixtures and fittings that facilitate its use - from bus shelters and signage to planting schemes. 

Introduction 

Activities that affect the quality of the streetscape include: 

1. Highway Works and Improvements, 

2. Major Street Design and Pedestrianisation Schemes, 

3. Traffic Calming, 

4. Paving and Surfacing, 

5. Signage and Advertising, 

6. Street Furniture, 

7. Lighting Works, 

8. Utility Works, 

9. Tree Planting and Soft Landscaping, 

10. Public Art, 

11. The Management and Maintenance of the Street, 

12. Street Cleansing, including daily maintenance, cleaning and rubbish collection. 

Barcelona Waterfront 

Public Square - Moretonhampstead 

CABE, Paving the Way - how we achieve clean, safe and attractive streets, May 2002, p15. 

Simple Street - Saint Gengoux, France 

11

High Quality Street - Victoria Street, Paignton


1.2 Preparation of 'Torbay Streetscape Guidelines' 

This document has been developed by Torbay Council from the draft Streetscape Strategy that was progressed 

by the Streetscape Steering Group in 2002. 

The document has been amended to incorporate recent government guidance (such as Paving the Way and 

the Designing Streets for People Report), the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, and the recently 

published Living Places: Caring for Quality (ODPM, Jan 2004) 

Consultation has been undertaken with relevant groups within the council, including Design and Conservation 

Services, Highway and Engineering Services, Environment Services, Urban Design, Strategic Planning, Torbay 

Development Agency, the Arts Development Officer, Leisure and Cultural Services, and the Torbay Coast and 

Countryside Trust. 

High Quality Street Design - Victoria 

Street, Paignton 

Introduction 

Following this first stage consultation, the Torbay Environment Access Meeting, and local disability groups were 

consulted regarding the contents of the document. Their views were then analysed and incorporated into the 

document. 

The document was presented to the Council's Business Development Meeting, and to the Executive 

Committee, and adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in March 2004. 

Poor Streetscape - Winner Street, 

Paignton 

Street Cleaning - Canary Wharf 

13

Street dominated by buses - Fleet Walk, Torquay


1.3 Existing Problems 

The first annual ENCAMS (Tidy Britain) Local Environmental Quality Survey of England, published in 

September 2002 assessed the quality of our streets and open spaces. The survey found that the condition of 

most paving surfaces was poor, whilst the state of street furniture and the condition and cleaning of litterbins 

was unsatisfactory. 

It is widely acknowledged that there has been a general and steady decline in the quality and appearance of 

our town centres and streetscapes, highlighted in the recent government report, 'Better Streets, Better Places: 

Delivering Sustainable Residential Environments'. This decline has occurred for a number of reasons: 

Existing Problems: 

1. Lack of an overall , coordinated 

strategy for 

Torbay's streets and 

public spaces - resulting 

in a piecemeal approach 

2. Government Guidance 

and Standards favour the 

car over pedestrians 

3. Limited funding for 

improvements 

Introduction 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

The existing policy, legal and technical framework is not geared towards delivering better quality 

streets. Rather it is focussed on vehicles and services. This is being addressed by the government, but 

must be recognised and dealt with at the local level in order to begin to improve the streetscape. 

Design guidance for the street has not been available. 

Funding for the streetscape is limited. Capital Funding comes from bids to central government, 

including bids through the Local Transport Plan for specific projects. Reacting to budget cuts has 

affected revenue funded initiatives and there has been a prolonged period of under-investment. 

There is a piecemeal approach to projects as they arise - an overall vision and strategy is required to 

guide streetscape improvements and management. Without this strategic approach we will continue to 

have an uncoordinated range of materials and products which are difficult to maintain. 

4. Gradual degradation of 

the streetscape 

5. Clutter 

6. Damage to street by 

poorly reinstated Utility 

works 

7. Low Standard of 

Maintenance 

8. Under-investment in the 

urban fabric and 

inappropriate advertising 

and signage 

15



Introduction 

Poor Quality Paving - Winner Street, 

Paignton 

■ 

■ 

Differing approaches and motivations between the different departments and parties who deal with 

the streetscape. Urban Designers, Planners and Engineers all have different approaches to the design 

process - and need to work closely together to produce high quality streetscapes. In addition, the 

service companies often take a utilitarian approach which can reduce the quality of the street. 

Specialist requirements such as the provision of highway signage, drainage, accommodating services, 

and designing for the needs of mobility and sensory impaired people can detract from the visual 

quality of the streetscape, particularly when budget constraints limit the options for high quality 

furniture and materials. These measures are usually essential for the street to function effectively, and 

their design must therefore be carefully considered and fully incorporated into the wider streetscape. 

■ 

The Local Transport Plan acknowledges that, in general, pedestrian conditions in town centres are 

poor. Our streets are being designed for cars, buses and lorries rather than people. The emphasis of 

the street needs to change from vehicular use to human use. The reduction of conflicts between 

pedestrians and vehicles whilst maintaining adequate access needs to be adequately resolved. 

Poor Quality Paving and Furniture - 

Fleet Walk, Torquay 

■ 

'High amenity areas' have been identified in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham for 10 years. Within these 

areas Statutory Undertakers should reinstate the surface to the original quality within six months of the 

works. Reinstatement of service works carried out by Utilities Companies within these areas must 

therefore be effectively managed to ensure they are properly replaced. 

■ 

In Torbay, responsibility for the streetscape is split between different groups. Highways (including 

paving, lighting etc), Harbours, Maintenance Operations, Soft Landscape Maintenance and Street 

Cleansing are all dealt with by different departments. This has contributed to the gradual deterioration 

of the streetscape and a lack of co-ordination and coherence. Closer links between these groups need 

to be established and maintained to ensure the long-term viability of the streetscape. These 

relationships need to be considered during the design of streets. 

Poor Maintenance - Cary Parade, Torquay 

16


■ 

■ 

■ 

Visual Clutter degrades the street. In many streets throughout Torbay outdated signs, which are no 

longer required, add to the clutter in the street. Signage and furniture that is not essential to the 

function of the street should be avoided/removed. The installation of new signage should be avoided 

unless it is essential. 

Under-investment in existing buildings over a period of time has further degraded the quality of the 

streetscape. The proliferation of signage and advertising boards create visual chaos and detracts from 

the street scene. 

We need a revived commitment to town centre management to enhance vitality, and to increase the 

quality of maintenance and cleanliness of our streets. 

Proliferation of Signs - The Strand, 

Torquay 

Introduction 

Clutter dominates the Streetscape - 

Victoria Street, Paignton 

Poor Cleaned Paving - Fleet Walk, 

Torquay 

17

High Quality Street - La Ramblas, 

Barcelona


1.4 The Way Forward 

A co-ordinated approach to the streetscape is required, with consideration of overall design and aesthetic 

values, materials, street furniture and management considered at the initial stage of any works. The emphasis 

should be on high quality design and materials. When budgets are limited it is often better to implement 

improvements in a phased sequence, as part of a comprehensive masterplan. Localised areas can be 

completed in sections and maintained to form a high quality finished streetscape. 

'Paving the Way' recommends that the Development Plan and Local Transport Plan incorporate policies aimed 

at the improvement and maintenance of the streetscape. The Torbay Local Plan contains specific policies 

encouraging the conservation and enhancement of the Built Environment (Policies BES and BE1), and 

emphasises the potential of traffic schemes and private development to improve the streetscape, noting the 

importance of local character and distinctiveness. In addition, policy CF6 (Community infrastructure 

contributions) encourages the use of appropriate agreements with developers to improve the social, physical or 

environmental infrastructure in relation to a development. It is intended that this policy will be used to secure 

improvements to Torbay's streets in relation to development. The Torbay Streetscape Guidelines form 

Supplementary Planning Guidance to the Local Plan. 

The key to the creation of high quality streetscapes is the incorporation of design advice at an early stage in the 

development of schemes. Projects within the key areas (town centres, historic areas and visitor sites), or areas 

of historic or amenity value must be developed in association with the relevant urban design, landscape and 

conservation officers. The involvement of these officers is essential to allow consideration of all the relevant 

issues at an early stage in the design process. 

For large scale schemes that substantially affect the street, wider consultation should be part of the 

development of the design. Public involvement in the design of the street will help to give the public 

ownership of the street - making the management of the space easier and more sustainable. Smaller schemes 

that affect local community spaces such as local shopping centres, village centres and public spaces should be 

The Way Forward: 

1. Preparation of a coordinated 

strategy for 

the Urban Environment 

and Streetscape 

2. Create streets for people 

rather than cars 

3. High Quality Design for 

streets and public 

spaces - with urban 

design input and 

consideration of 

maintenance at an early 

stage. 

4. Use high quality 

materials wherever 

possible - simple 

designs are usually best 

5. Consultation and 

involvement of local 

residents, business and 

disabled access groups 

should be integral to the 

design process 

6. Develop a co-ordinated 

Management Strategy 

for the whole of the 

Public Realm. 

Introduction 

19



Introduction 

Castle Circus, Torquay 

developed in association with the communities that use these spaces, ensuring that local needs are integrated 

into the design and community 'ownership' maximised. 

'Paving the Way' recommends that under Best Value an audit trail for design decisions affecting the streetscape 

be established to show how design guidance, people's needs and vehicle movements have been 

accommodated. This will allow the local authority to demonstrate that they have acted reasonably if faced by 

liability claims, and also to demonstrate that the needs of all parties (including visually and mobility impaired 

people) have been considered during the decision making process. The process diagrams in section 3.7 of this 

document demonstrate the sequence of actions that should be undertaken in the development of streetscape 

projects. 

Victoria Street, Paignton 

Private developments that affect the street must incorporate street and public open space improvements. The 

Urban Design Framework will propose site-specific proposals in relation to the public realm, which should be 

incorporated as part of development schemes. These proposals should be developed in liaison with the 

Council's planning and urban design officers. Where possible developer contributions should be agreed to fund 

streetscape improvements in association with development. Policy CF6 of the Local Plan supports this 

approach and states that such contributions should be fairly and reasonably related in terms of scale and kind 

to the proposed development. 

Street management and cleansing must be addressed at the design stage. Responsibility for the street is often 

split between different departments (and external bodies) and co-ordination is key to achieving a high quality 

streetscape. Where possible responsibility for the streetscape should be assigned to one person and crossdepartment 

management control established for the public realm. Cleanliness, traffic management, parking, 

and antisocial behaviour must be considered. The regime should be agreed in advance and, if necessary, 

additional funding secured. Traffic orders, planning and advertising regulations and public order must all be 

enforced. 

Fore Street, Brixham 

20

Fore Street, Brixham



Improving the Streetscape 

Six Indicators for Successful 

Streetscape 

1. Comfortable and Safe 

2. Able to accommodate a 

range of different 

functions, without being 

dominated by cars 

3. Simple use of materials. 

Free of visual clutter. 

4. Properly maintained and 

cleaned. 

5. Sympathetic to local 

character. 

6. Appropriate ordered 

provision for access, 

deliveries etc. 

2.0 Improving the Streetscape 

Streets are the most important part of the urban environment as our most visible and well-used public spaces. 

They are complex, multi-functional spaces that allow for the circulation of traffic, walking and cycling. They 

are also social places for meeting people and spending our leisure time. The streetscape is defined by the 

buildings that frame the street and encompasses all elements within it. 

'A comfortable and stimulating public realm that encourages social interaction requires detailed attention to the 

structure of a space and the elements it contains. This involves the surfaces; what is hard, what is soft; what 

forms of planting are appropriate; and what surfaces are for vehicles as well as pedestrian use, for example. It 

also requires that the issues of security, public art, street furniture, lighting and signage and so on be looked at 

in tandem.' 

The distinction needs to be made between roads - which are designed to facilitate the movement of traffic, 

and streets - which are environments for people. In the latter the primary motivation for layout and design 

should be the comfort of people and the stimulation of social activity. 

'Paving the Way' sets out the six main indicators of a successful streetscape: 

■ 

Comfortable and safe for pedestrians and the disabled. 

■ 

A street designed to accommodate all sorts of functions, not dominated by any one function. 

Llewelyn-Davies for English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation, Urban Design Compendium, 2000, p99. 

22


■ 

■ 

■ 

Visually simple, and free of clutter. Regardless of whether a street is a straightforward, or complex 

space, what matters is the simplicity and clarity of its paving, lining and signage (if required), street 

furniture, lighting and landscaping. 

Well cared for, and where utilities and 'extraneous' advertising are subordinate to all other street 

functions. 

Sympathetic to local character and activity context, in design and detail. The urban areas of Torbay 

have formed from a series of small settlements and manors that have expanded and coalesced into the 

third largest conurbation in Devon. Each of these areas has its own character, which must be reflected 

in the urban form streetscape. 

Traditional Limestone Kerbs - Torquay 

Improving the streetscape 

■ 

Making appropriate ordered provision for access, deliveries and storage of vehicles. 

There is one other quality that many successful streets have. Beauty should be one of the characteristics of a 

successful street. It is less easy to design or produce, but may well be a natural product of the creative 

establishment of the other indicators of a successful streetscape. 

The emphasis of the street needs to be directed towards the pedestrian, rather than the car. Human scale, 

locally distinctive spaces, that are easily read and well-maintained, will be well used and a source of pride for 

local people. 

Controlled Access Area - Union Street, 

Torquay 

Torquay Town Hall - Local Landmark 

23



Improving the Streetscape 

Union Street, Torquay - High Amenity 

Area 

2.1 Approach 

This document concentrates on the design and specification of materials and street furniture that make up the 

street. Six types of street are identified on the Zoning Plan (overleaf): 

■ 

■ 

■ 

High Amenity Areas 

Conservation Areas 

Key Gateways 

■ 

■ 

■ 

District Centres 

Local Centres 

Residential Areas 

Old Mill Road, Chelston - Conservation 

Area and Local Centre 

A simple language of materials and furniture will be used throughout Torbay, with predominately blacktop road 

and footpath surfaces, concrete kerbs and a simple language of street furniture. Simple, efficient design, 

creating easily readable streetscapes, will be appropriate. Unnecessary signage and furniture will be avoided, 

to prevent clutter. 

In the key areas (town centres, district and local centres, and Conservation Areas) higher quality materials and 

furniture will be used. Detail should reflect local character, and help to reinforce the identity of the towns. 

Local details, public art and a clear language of street furniture will all help to reinforce this local identity. 

Specific guidelines for these areas are outlined in Section 4 of this document. 

Kerswell Gardens - Key Gateway 

24

8 

17 

14 

3 St. Marychurch 

4 

15 

20 

21 

19 

B. 1 

22 

16 

7 6 

5 

A. 2 

Torquay 

23 

24 

9 

D. C. E. 

11 

Brixham 

18 

10 

Paignton 

G. 

F. 

12 

Legend 

High Amenity Areas 

A. A. Torquay Waterfront 

B. Torquay Town Centre 

C. Paignton Town Centre 

D. Old Paignton 

E. Paignton Seafront and Harbour 

F. Brixham Harbour 

G. Brixham Town Centre 

Conservation Areas (see list below) 

Conservation Area 

Other Areas 

Key Gateways 

District Centre 

Local Centre 

Residential Areas 

Countryside/Rural Areas and 

Urban Landscape Protection Areas 

Primary Road Network 

Conservation Areas (Key) 

1. Warberries 

2. Lincombes 

3. St. Marychurch 

4. Babbacombe Downs 

5. Torquay Harbour 

6. Chelston 

7. Cockington 

8. Maidencombe 

9. Old Paignton 

10. Churston Ferrers 

11. Roundham and Paignton Harbour 

12. Brixham Town 

13. Higher Brixham 

14. Barton 

15. Cary Park 

16. Belgravia 

17. Watcombe Park 

18. Galmpton 

19. Torre 

20. Tormohun 

21. Upton 

22. Abbey Road 

23. Shorton 

24. Polsham 

13 

Streetscape Guidelines - Zoning Plan 

Scale: 1:60,000 @ A3 Feb 2004 PWO



General Design Principles 

Streetscape Design 

Principles: 

1. Establish a clear design 

ethos for the street 

2. Reinforce Local 

Character 

3. Reduce clutter 

4. Co-ordinate Design, 

Implementation and 

Maintenance 

3.0 General Design Principles 

The underlying principles of the Streetscape Guidelines are: 

1. Establish a clear design ethos for the street, 

2. Reinforce local character, 

3. Reduce clutter, and 

4. Co-ordinate design, implementation and maintenance. 

Torbay Council's Environmental Guide, produced as Supplementary Planning Guidance, contains general 

design advice regarding the built environment, and specific advice relating to Conservation Areas. This advice 

is supplemented by the more detailed advice specifically relating to the streetscape contained in this 

document. 

In order to carry out work that respects the local distinctiveness of our urban areas, it is necessary to 

understand the key components of the townscape, and their evolution. 

The streetscape design must also balance visual characteristics, quality and the needs of all users with future 

management and maintenance. Durability, safety, accessibility, ease and economy of replacement must all be 

considered at the design stage. 

This document considers the differing requirements of each area of Torbay, providing recommendations and 

guidelines for each town centre and historic area. These are divided into the following areas, as indicated on 

the Zoning Plan. 

Barbican, Plymouth 

26


3.1 High Amenity Areas 

The Zoning Plan indicates the seven key areas within Torbay that require special consideration. As has been 

already noted, our town centres are the focus of activity within Torbay and the shop window for visitors to the 

area. The design of these areas must be carefully considered and developed with a comprehensive design 

team, including conservation officers, landscape and urban designers, traffic and highway engineers and 

lighting engineers. Relevant business, community and access groups should also be consulted to ensure that all 

the relevant issues are considered and incorporated into the design. Successful schemes, such as Victoria 

Street and Union Street, have already been carried out in this way in Torbay. 

The design of these areas should reflect their relative importance. High quality materials and furniture should 

be supplemented by a high quality management regime, to ensure that the investment in the streetscape is 

adequately maintained. Key factors to be addressed include: 

Design of Key Areas 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Create a locally 

distinctive design 

Incorporate landscape 

and urban design 

Prioritise pedestrians 

over vehicles 

Balance traffic and 

engineering 

requirements with other 

needs 

Involve the local 

community 


■ 

Consider the existing character of the Street, including historic and heritage value. Create a locally 

distinctive design. 

● 

● 

Public Art 

Management Issues 

■ 

Ensure that Landscape Architects and Urban Designers are involved at an early stage in the design 

process. 

■ 

Consider the priority to be given to different users - prioritise pedestrians over vehicles. 

■ 

Consider traffic and engineering requirements and balance with other uses. 

■ 

Involve Local Business, Community and Access Groups. 

■ 

Incorporate Public Art. 

■ 

Consider management, long term maintenance and street cleaning at the design stage. 

Fosse Street - Dartmouth 

27




Conservation Areas 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Create locally distinctive 

designs that reflect the 

historic character of the 

area 

Maintain the historic 

form of the street 

Minimise inappropriate 

signage and street 

furniture 

Use suitable surface 

materials - reuse 

existing historic 

materials where possible 

Reduce the impact of 

vehicles 

3.2 Conservation Areas 

Torbay currently has 24 Conservation Areas, designated because of their 'special architectural or historic 

interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. Some of the Conservation Areas are in 

the town centres, and are also High Amenity Areas. 

The streetscape within each Conservation Area should reflect the historic or architectural qualities for which it 

has been designated. A character statement for each area can be found in the Environmental Guide (part of 

the Local Plan), and the Conservation Team has also prepared a detailed Conservation Area Character 

Appraisal. Consultation with the Conservation Team and the Urban Design and Landscape Officer prior to the 

detailed design of works within Conservation Areas will often help to produce a sympathetic design for the 

streetscape. Provided the guidelines outlined in this document are used as the basis for design, detailed 

involvement from the Conservation Team will usually be necessary only on large environmental improvement 

schemes. Provided minor and maintenance works are implemented using appropriate materials and details, 

and without creating additional clutter, consultation can be kept to a minimum on smaller scale schemes. 

The use of natural materials is generally appropriate in Conservation Areas, particularly for key pedestrian 

zones, vertical elements and detailed areas. In residential areas black tarmac pavement/road surfacing may be 

appropriate, but should be balanced by the careful retention or installation of natural stone kerbs and details 

where possible. 

Stone (limestone) Kerbs/Edging are an important part of the historic streetscape within Torbay, and should be 

retained where possible, or kept for reuse in key areas within the Conservation Areas. Alternatively, where 

these are not available, Conservation Kerbs laid upright, or on their side as an edging, may be appropriate. 

Pre-cast concrete kerbs should usually be avoided in key areas within the Conservation Areas. 

Historic Streetscape - High Street, Totnes 

28


Visual clutter and a proliferation in vehicular and pedestrian signage should be avoided. Street Furniture and 

Lighting should be designed to accord with the historic character of the Conservation Area. Where possible 

existing street furniture of historic value should be restored and retained, or used as a basis for new furniture. 

Service cabinets should be avoided or, if essential, hidden or buried. Inspection covers should be recessed. 

Line painting and lettering on the street surface should be kept to an absolute minimum, and avoided where 

possible. Signage should be avoided unless it is essential. 

Where appropriate, interpretation of the historic environment should be incorporated as part of streetscape 

improvements. 


29




Key Gateways 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Important as an 

introduction to Torbay 

and its towns 

Reduce visual clutter 

and extraneous signage 

Use a simple, bold 

design approach 

Incorporate Public Art 

where appropriate 

3.3 Key Gateways 

Key Gateways are the main points of entry into Torbay, and the key arrival points into the separate towns. The 

prominence of these locations as an introduction to Torbay should be reflected in the design of these areas. 

High quality landscape and furniture, and the use of Public Art will be especially important to set the scene for 

visitors to the area. 

The streetscape at the key arrival points into Torbay (such as Kerswell Gardens and Tweenaways Cross) and the 

arrival points at the town centres (such as New Road, Brixham, Torre Station, Torquay, and the Palm Court 

Hotel, Torquay) should be treated in such away as to enhance their value as gateways. 

● 

Consider use of trees 

and planting to set the 

scene for Torbay 

These areas are often important locations for traffic movement, and are dominated by a plethora of signage 

and advertising. Removal of unnecessary signs, and a simple bold streetscape treatment would be appropriate. 

The use of high quality materials, public art, trees and planting displays should all be considered as part of an 

overall design to welcome people into Torbay and its towns. 

Gateway Feature - Coventry 

30


3.4 Other Areas 

The reduction in clutter and consideration of the 'big picture' will improve the quality of the environment in 

other areas, such as Torbay's seafronts, local and district shopping centres and residential areas, as much as in 

town centres, and may have a bigger impact on people's everyday lives. A high quality seafront is vital to the 

image and economic success of Torbay. 

Materials and street furniture should be simple and easily maintained. Bitmac surfacing and concrete kerbs are 

likely to be appropriate, with the use of man-made materials to provide texture and human scale in key areas. 

High quality spaces, possibly incorporating art or other details, may be appropriate in focal areas. The street 

furniture should be sturdy and maintained to a high standard. Statutory undertakers should be properly 

monitored to ensure they adequately reinstate surfaces immediately after they have completed their works. 

Consideration should be given in Seafront areas to the likely uses of the space, appropriate streetscape 

furniture and features, and the maintenance requirements of the marine environment. Public Art and 

appropriately designed street furniture and lighting are likely to be appropriate. A clear language of 

appropriate furniture and other elements should be used throughout each area. The arrangement of elements 

on the seafront should be considered to ensure that views are maintained, shelter is provided where 

appropriate and the character of the area is enhanced. Access is important, as is consideration of 

pedestrian/vehicular conflicts. 

Other Areas 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Design streets for 

people, reduce the 

impact of vehicles 

Reduce visual clutter 

Use appropriate 

materials 

Involve the local 

community where 

possible 

Consider maintenance 

requirements at the 

design stage - use hard 

wearing, low 

maintenance materials. 


Treatment of the Streetscape in more rural areas should reflect local character, with simple natural materials, 

that avoid urbanisation, dominating the streetscape. Simple use of blacktop surfacing, natural kerbs and 

minimal signage is usually appropriate. 

Simple Paving - Torbay Road 

31




Safety Issues 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Use 'Secured by Design' 

principles 

Consult with Police and 

Emergency Services 

Identify problems and 

solutions in liaison with 

the local community - 

encourage them to take 

ownership of the 

streetscape 

Ensure that maintenance 

is sufficient to project 

the image of a well 

cared for street 

3.5 Safety Issues 

The streetscape should be designed and implemented with a consideration of public safety, and in accordance 

with the Community Safety Strategy. 

At the design stage 'Secured by Design' principles, such as access, clear views, lighting, CCTV provision, 

appropriate planting, appropriate signage and suitable management regimes, should all be considered to 

reduce the potential for crime or anti-social behaviour. 

Where appropriate, consultation should be carried out with local Police, Emergency Services, Community 

Groups and local people. This has the added benefit of including people in the design process - encouraging 

them to take ownership of the streetscape. Ownership of the urban environment by the people who live and 

use it has numerous advantages including a reduction in vandalism and graffiti, increased activity and 

perception of safety, and increased community activity. 

Vandalism, graffiti and damage to street furniture and materials as a result of inappropriate use (such as 

skateboarding or the use of BMX bikes) can quickly reduce the quality of the streetscape. Consideration of the 

potential to misuse the streetscape must be made during the design phase to minimise ongoing maintenance 

and safety problems. 

The provision of a high quality streetscape that encourages activity and the extended use of the urban 

environment will contribute to the safety, and the perception of safety, of urban spaces. 

CCTV camera mounted on Lamp Column 

- Bolton Street, Brixham 

32


3.6 Access for All 

Provision for all people, including those with disabilities, with small children and pushchairs, or the elderly, 

should be considered during the design of streetscape works. This is likely to include allowing access for 

wheelchairs to all areas and the provision of suitable ramps and crossing points, and considering the needs of 

the blind and partially sighted by providing tactile paving and an easily readable streetscape. The reduction of 

clutter and provision of simple, clean surfaces will assist in achieving this aim. 

Following the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) the Department for Transport published a guidance 

document, Inclusive Mobility, which provides guidelines for the implementation of streetscape works to 

accommodate the needs of disabled people. These guidelines provide advice on established best practice that 

can be applied to the external environment. 

Care and a common sense approach must be taken to ensure that access for all is achieved without 

compromising the overall quality of the streetscape or damaging the character of the street or space. 'Inclusive 

Mobility' notes that particularly in historic areas, changes to improve accessibility should be made with 

sensitivity to the site context. 'In these cases consultation with those responsible for managing the historic 

environment should ensure that any changes made do not detract from the appearance of the area'. 

Access for All 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Consider the needs of 

people who are less able 

throughout the design 

process 

Reduce clutter, and 

produce clear, easily 

readable spaces 

Use the DfT guidelines 

as a basis for 

incorporating the needs 

of disabled people - but 

balance this with the 

character and needs of 

the street 

Consult with local 

access groups early in 

the design process 


Consultation with local access groups at an early stage in the design process is appropriate. A clear audit trail 

should be maintained during the design process to allow the consideration of different issues and users to be 

assessed at a later stage. 

Department of Transport, Inclusive mobility, 2003, p5. 

Access Ramp - Broadgate, London 

33




Design Process 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Identify whether the 

works are a Major 

Scheme, Minor Scheme 

or Maintenance Works. 

Include Design and 

Conservation Services as 

part of the design team 

on Major Schemes. 

Consult with the 

relevant internal and 

external consultees as 

appropriate. 

Public Consultation is 

essential for Major 

Schemes, and for Minor 

Schemes that affect local 

residents and traders. 

Ensure that Safety, 

Access and Maintenance 

Audits are carried out as 

part of the design 

process. 

3.7 Design Process 

A clear process should be followed for the development of each streetscape design, with appropriate 

consultation with Council Officers and Members, External Groups, and Local Residents and Businesses. The 

purpose of the consultation should be to develop a scheme that balances the provision of pedestrian, traffic 

and utility requirements with the achievement of a high quality streetscape. 

An extensive and detailed design and consultation process is not required for every Environmental 

Improvement Scheme or Highway Works. An assessment of the consultation requirements should be carried 

out at the start of the design process. Safety, Access, Environmental and Maintenance Audits should be carried 

out for all Major and Minor Schemes. 

Maintenance Works that do not affect the visual quality of the streetscape do not require consultation with 

Design and Conservation Services. The potential for additional benefits to the streetscape by considering issues 

beyond the specific maintenance task (such as the removal of inappropriate signage and furniture) should be 

investigated and additional design advice sought where appropriate. The effects on local residents and 

businesses should also be considered, and an assessment of the safety, access and maintenance implications of 

the works should be carried out. 

Large projects that affect an entire street or wider area, especially those within a High Amenity Area, should be 

classified as a Major Scheme. Major Schemes should be developed with Design and Conservation Services and 

other relevant Council Departments and Officers. Major Schemes will require a process of public consultation 

with the public, traders and relevant agencies involved at an early stage to ensure the scheme takes into 

account all the potential impacts of the works. 

34


Works that affect a smaller area, with only a local impact, would be classed as a Minor Scheme. Where these 

works are within a Conservation Area or a District or Local Centre, Design and Conservation Services should 

be consulted. Where the scheme affects a Local Centre, or a number of local residents, it is advisable to 

consult with the people affected in order to understand how they use the street and design the scheme with 

this in mind. 

Where additional signage or street furniture (such as advertising, CCTV cameras and columns etc) are 

proposed, consideration should be made of the visual impact of these elements, and where appropriate the 

council's Conservation and Design Officers consulted. 


The process which should be followed for Major and Minor Schemes is set out on the following pages. 

35

Major Scheme Design Process

Streetscape Design Process 

Minor Schemes 

Consultations Process Design Audit Information 

Identify 

Project Area 

Internal Consultations 

Consult Design and 

Conservation if affecting 

High Amenity or 


Initial Survey and Analysis 

Constraints and Opportunities 

Prepare 

Brief 

Is the Project Area a: 

• High Amenity Area 

• Conservation Area 

• Urban/Rural Area 

• Local/District Centre 

• Key Gateway 

Internal Consultations 

• Design/Conservation 

if required 

• Environment Services 

External Consultations 

• Local Residents/Groups 

• Traders 

• Ward Members 

• Agencies/Utilities 

Develop 

Scheme Design 

and Outline Costing 

Construction 

Design 

Implementation 

Design Audit 

• Disabled Access Audit 

• Safety Audit 

• Environmental Audit 

• Maintenance Audit 

Baseline Information and Analysis 

• Detailed Survey 

• Existing Character 

• Existing Features to retain 

• Existing/Proposed Materials 

• Function of Street 

Minor Schemes would be defined as small schemes which have an impact on the streetscape. 

Consultation with Design and Conservation Services is advisable for Minor Schemes in 

Conservation Areas and High Amenity Areas which will affect the visual appearance of the 

streetscape. Local Consultation is advisable where schemes will affect Local Centres or a 

number of residents. Minor Schemes do not include standard maintenance opertations, 

repair of surfaces etc. 

Minor Scheme Design Process



Key Issues and Materials Schedule 

Union Street, Torquay 

4.0 Key Issues and Materials Schedule 

A detailed description of the issues to be considered when designing changes to the streetscape is set out 

below. Sections 5.1 to 5.10 consider the key areas in central Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, section 5.11 

details the issues that need to be considered when designing streetscape works in Torbay's Conservation Areas. 

The key characteristics of each Conservation Area are outlined in Appendix One. Sections 5.12, 5.13 and 

5.14 look at the streetscape treatments of the District and Local Centres, Residential Streets and Public Parks 

and Gardens respectively. 

Torbay Council's Footway Surfacing Policy which guides the use of different materials in High Amenity Areas 

(paved), Secondary Areas (red tarmac) and Other Areas (blacktop or in-situ concrete). The sections below 

provide detailed advice relating to footway surfaces, with specific materials for High Amenity Areas in Torbay. 

The interface between High Amenity areas and the surroundings needs to be carefully considered, with the 

consideration of the design moving beyond the specific area of the street into the surrounding context. 

Upper Union Street - Existing 

Some areas, notably Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Town Centres, are also discussed under the Conservation 

Area descriptions. In these cases the Conservation Area description considers the entire Conservation Area and 

its context, outlining the key features of the existing street and landscape character that should be considered 

in future designs. 

In each section the key maintenance issues are briefly addressed. A clear strategy and set of priorities needs to 

be established for the maintenance of Torbay's streets. The town centres, in particular, showcase the resort and 

their cleanliness and repair should be of the highest standard. This will involve working between departments 

and directorates to identify priorities, budgets and outputs - and clear direction from Council Members. 


38


4.1 Torquay Waterfront 

This area has been considered in detail in the Torquay Harbour Public Realm Strategy 2002. This Strategy 

promotes a comprehensive redesign of the harbourside public realm to create a waterside focus for Torquay 

that matches its aspirations as an international resort. 

The creation of a strong identity for the harbour through the use of high quality materials and street furniture, 

public art, and improvements to the urban fabric are key to the proposals. The emphasis is on the creation of 

a contemporary public space that retains the essential qualities of the 'English Riviera', rather than creating a 

historic replica. 

Torquay Waterfront Existing 


This area is entirely within the Torquay Harbour Conservation Area, which incorporates numerous listed 

buildings and structures, and Princess Gardens, which is a listed historic park and garden. 

A comprehensive design exercise is needed to develop a detailed design and materials schedule for the 

Waterfront area - care must be taken that the proposals are not implemented on an adhoc basis which will 

degrade the clarity, and quality, of the Public Realm proposals. 

A maintenance regime needs to be established as part of the design process to ensure that the aspirations of 

the waterfront are met in the long-term. 

Torquay Waterfront - Public Realm 

Masterplan 

Torquay Waterfront - proposals for The 

Strand 

39




Historic Photograph - Fleet Walk, 1906 

4.2 Fleet St, Torquay 

Fleet Street and Union Street (see below) form an Urban Spine which runs from the waterfront to Torre, 

connecting with the surrounding residential areas. These are the key shopping streets in Torquay, and form an 

important and busy pedestrian route. 

Fleet Street was subject to a pedestrianisation and streetscape improvement scheme in the late 1980s, and is 

now looking tired and shabby. A comprehensive improvement scheme needs to be implemented, extending 

the treatment of Lower Union Street to the harbour. In advance of this, ongoing maintenance should ensure 

that works to the road surface are properly reinstated and that a suitable cleaning and maintenance regime is 

continued. The conflict between pedestrians and the numerous buses that use this route needs to be resolved. 

Fleet Street is within the Torquay Harbour Conservation Area. 

Surface Materials 

■ In the short term replace the existing concrete blocks as required and ensure that the street surface is 

properly reinstated after any works. 

Fleet Walk, Torquay 

■ 

In the longer term the language of materials and street furniture used in Lower Union Street should be 

extended along Fleet Street to the harbour. 

Street Furniture 

■ The existing street furniture should be retained and properly maintained in the short term. 

■ 

The street furniture used in Lower Union Street should be continued along Fleet Street when the 

improvements scheme is implemented. 

Fleet Walk, Torquay - Potential 

40


■ 

Lighting 

■ 

Where appropriate, Public Art and tree planting should be incorporated into the streetscape design. 

This could be progressed in advance of a comprehensive redesign, but should not impose limitations 

on the future design of the street. 

At present, lighting to Fleet Street is a mixture of free-standing and building mounted fittings. A coordinated 

lighting scheme should be developed as part of the future improvements to the street. 

Soft Landscape 

Winner Street - Existing 


■ 

Where possible, existing planters should be removed and replaced with semi-mature trees planted in 

the ground. In-ground services may limit the number of trees that can be accommodated within the 

ground. 

Maintenance 

■ 

■ 

A long-term maintenance regime for Fleet Walk will need to be established as part of any 

improvements to this area. 

In the meantime, paving repairs should be carried out in suitable materials, and furniture should be 

adequately maintained and repaired where necessary. 

Street Furniture - Union Street 

Mature Tree Planting - Poundbury 

41




Lower Union Street, Torquay 

4.3 Union St, Torquay 

In 2003 a pedestrian improvement scheme was completed on Lower Union Street. This will be extended up 

Upper Union Street to Castle Circus in 2004 (completion 2005). The same language of materials and furniture 

is being used, with a gateway established at Castle Circus. Upper Union Street will remain trafficked, with the 

carriageway narrowed. A blacktop surface will be used; with crossing points to encourage vehicles to reduce 

their speed. 

Part of lower Union Street is within the Abbey Road Conservation Area. Part of Upper Union Street is within 

the Upton Conservation Area. 


Union St Bollards/Bins with temporary 

paint 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Pale Grey/Crystals Granite slab paving with Pink Granite Kerb 

Silver-Grey Concrete Block paving to road surface with stone edge (Blacktop to Upper Union Street) 

Pink concrete tactile paving at controlled crossings only, with stainless steel stud, grey granite or natural 

concrete tactile paving at other crossings. 

All service covers should be recessed and aligned with the surrounding paving to allow the adjacent 

pattern to continue across. 


Market St/Lower Union Street Junction 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Stainless Steel Furniture - Bollards, Bins, Seats. The temporary black paint to the bollards and bins on 

Lower Union Street detracts from the streetscape and should be removed. The new elements have 

been designed with a recessed strip to accommodate a single black or red tape to improve their 

visibility to the partially sighted, without ruining the appearance of the furniture. 

Bus Shelters should be designed to match other elements of street furniture. 

Removable hanging basket poles. 

42


■ 

Lighting 

■ 

The public space and building façade at the junction of Market Street and Lower Union Street need to 

be improved. Repainting and provision of a mural or sculptural element would give a suitable focus 

for this point. Improved lighting, or perhaps a light sculpture, could be considered. The existing trees, 

in planters, have reached their maximum size. These could be planted in the ground, or in a 

permanent raised planter to allow them to develop. 

Street lighting to Lower Union Street is currently located on the building facades. This approach 

should be continued to Upper Union Street. When possible, these lights should be replaced with 

more attractive fittings. 

Existing Union Street Lights 


■ 

A scheme for feature lighting to trees and key facades should be developed. 


■ 

■ 

Tree planting to Lower Union Street is in raised granite-sett planters, with the exception of the three 

trees in Temperance Street. These trees are shaped into horizontal canopies - careful maintenance is 

needed to ensure they develop successfully. Where possible, trees within the Upper Union Street 

scheme should be planted in the ground to give them a better chance of survival and reduce clutter. 

Due to the traffic constraints in Upper Union Street, narrow canopied trees will be used (Pyrus 

'Chanticleer') 

Hanging baskets were installed to soften the street and add colour and interest. These must be 

maintained as part of ongoing maintenance. 

Upper Union St- Existing 

Maintenance 

■ 

The simple paving scheme and steel furniture creates a light, attractive streetscape. A high standard of 

ongoing maintenance must be agreed and actioned by all the relevant council departments to ensure 

that the quality of the street is maintained. 

Trees in Ground - Temperance St. 

43




Castle Circus - Existing 

4.4 Castle Circus, Torquay 

The existing high quality paving treatment to the front of the Town Hall should be extended across the road to 

improve the overall character of this space. Small unit stone setts should be used in the road surface, and the 

existing language of street furniture extended. 

Castle Circus is within Upton Conservation Area. 


■ 

Yorkstone Paving with sawn limestone trim 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Replace pink tactile paving with stainless steel inset tactile elements 

Retain and extend limestone kerbs 

Replace tarmac road surface with stone setts 

Recessed service covers have been used to great effect in this area and must be retained. This 

treatment should continue in adjacent areas. 

Castle Circus - Paving Detail 


■ 

■ 

Traditional 'Manchester' Bollards and 'Blenheim' seating designs were used in the scheme and should 

be retained. Traditional tree grilles and guards were also used. 

The potential to rationalise the seating layout should be considered in any future schemes. 

Castle Circus - Historic Light Fittings 

44


Lighting 

■ 

■ 

Original lamp standards were retained in the scheme. Any additional fittings should accord with this 

design, or be located on the buildings opposite the Town Hall. 

The façade of the Town Hall is floodlit. Complementary uplighting to the trees within this space 

should be considered. 


■ 

Semi-mature Oak trees were planted in 1996 and should be retained. New tree planting should 

match these trees. 

Castle Circus - Tree Planting 


■ 

The hanging baskets, which are located on the existing light columns add to the scheme and should be 

retained. 

Maintenance 

■ 

Due to its prominent location, this area is relatively well maintained and has a high standard of 

cleanliness. This standard needs to be maintained and extended to adjacent areas. 

Castle Circus - Crossing and poor paving 

opposite the Town Hall 

45




Torwood Street - Existing 

4.5 Torwood Street, Torquay 

Torwood Street leads from the residential areas to the north and east of the town centre to the Harbour. The 

street is busy with traffic from the Strand and adjacent car parks, and also has a concentration of night-clubs 

and bars that put particular pressure on the area. It also forms the main route to Torquay Museum, and the 

adjacent Torwood gardens, from the harbour. 

Looking south-west down Torwood Street towards the harbour, the vista is terminated by the Mallock 

Memorial. Torwood Street is also the key gateway into Torquay Harbour and town centre from the north-east. 

Existing materials are poor, a mix of concrete slabs and old street furniture and signage. 

Torwood Street is within Torquay Harbour Conservation Area, and the Lincombes Conservation Area to the 

north-east. 


Torwood Street - Potential (SKETCH) 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Where possible, footways should be widened to allow easier pedestrian movement, particularly in the 

area adjacent to the harbour. 

Natural Stone slabs that complement the treatment of the adjacent harbour area should be used for 

the pavements extending northwards to Torwood Gardens. 

Blacktop road surfacing would be appropriate, with stone setts used at crossing areas and junctions. 

Limestone kerbs should be retained where possible, and replaced with new stone or Conservation 

Kerbs where they are missing. 

The Mallock Memorial is a key focal point at the harbour end of Torwood Street. The landscape 

treatment around the memorial should be designed to improve its setting and enhance its status as a 

View to Harbour 

46


focal feature. Stone sett paving to the carriageway, suitably arranged around the memorial, would be 

appropriate. This should be developed as part of the Torquay Waterfront scheme. 


■ 

■ 

■ 

The language of street furniture used in the harbour area should be continued up Torwood Street to 

establish this area as a gateway to the harbour. 

Extraneous signage and furniture should be removed. 

Seating is mostly inappropriate in this area, with the exception of the small public space approximately 

halfway between Meadfoot Road and Victoria Parade, and the area of Torquay Museum and Torwood 

Gardens. 

Existing Surface Materials 


Lighting 

■ 

■ 

Where possible, streetlights should be located on building facades to minimise clutter. 

Feature lighting should be used to emphasise the facades of the Museum, Mallock Memorial and the 

former Church of St. Andrew in Torwood Gardens Road. 


Existing Seating Area 

■ 

■ 

Any potential tree planting must be carefully considered to avoid blocking views to the harbour. 

Hanging baskets would be appropriate and should be located on shop frontages or from lamp 

standards if present. 

Maintenance 

■ 

The standards established in the waterfront should be extended up Torwood Street to reinforce the 

connection with the Harbour and town centre. 

Mallock Memorial 

47




Historic Photograph of Victoria St - 1912 

4.6 Victoria Street, Torquay Road, Hyde Road and Torbay Road, Paignton 

Victoria Street, Hyde Road, Torquay Road and Torbay Road are the centre of Paignton, but are dominated by 

busy traffic that passes through Paignton on a one-way system. Victoria Street is within the Old Paignton 

Conservation Area. A traffic study of Paignton was completed in 2002, and is in the process of phased 

implementation. Victoria Street was pedestrianised in 2002. Following the removal of traffic from the street 

and the implementation of a simple public realm improvement scheme, Victoria Street has become one of the 

most popular and well-used streets in Torbay. The language of materials and furniture established in this 

scheme should be extended throughout Paignton Town Centre. 

Careful design of the pedestrian crossings at Torquay Road and Hyde Road is essential to improve the 

pedestrian access and remove railings and clutter at these points. The Paignton Central Area Traffic Study 

proposed pedestrianisation of part of Torquay and Torbay Roads in this area. Improvements to Parkside Road 

and the unattractive urban square in this location could be part of a comprehensive redevelopment here. 


Victoria Street 2003 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Buff Perfecta paving used to 'pavement' areas and Tegula Paving used in carriageway within pedestrian 

areas. 

Silver Grey Conservation Kerbs used to delineate carriageway and as banding. 

Imprinted concrete paving is used for pedestrian crossings. This provides maintenance benefits, but 

looks cheaper than surrounding materials and should be replaced with appropriate unit paving if 

practical. 

Victoria St/Torquay Road junction 

48



■ 

■ 

■ 

The clutter of phone boxes and other elements at the junction of Victoria Street and Torquay Road 

should be rationalised to improve views and remove clutter. 

A successful range of street furniture has been established in Victoria Street. This should be extended 

into adjacent areas as schemes are implemented. 

Bespoke 'Castle' Bollards, representing the 'Bishop's Tower', have been used throughout Victoria St. 

These provide additional detail to the streetscape, but care should be taken, particularly in the historic 

part of the town centre that these do not become overused. In some areas it may be appropriate for 

the Castle bollards to be replaced with standard 'Manchester' bollards, or a similar 'slimline' model. 

Jubilee Benches 


■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

'Blenheim' Benches with armrest detail (Jubilee 2002). The use of bespoke details to the armrests 

should be repeated in adjacent areas, with suitable, relevant designs. 

Standard black 'cylinder' bins are used throughout Victoria Street, and should be continued into 

adjacent areas. These have 'canopies' to prevent seagulls from feeding on the rubbish. 

Pedestrian signage should be designed to co-ordinate with the other streetscape elements. 

The original shop canopies that remain at the corners of Victoria Street and Hyde Road and Palace 

Avenue and Torquay Road should be retained and the owners encouraged to restore these to their 

original quality and detail. This could be achieved as part of any planning applications for these 

buildings, or through grant funding, should suitable monies become available. 

Shop signage needs to be controlled and improved to enhance the streetscape. Enforcement of 

unauthorised signage is required, and if funding becomes available, a grant programme to encourage 

new, high quality signage instigated. 

'Castle' Bollards 

Victoria Street Seats 

49




Street Trees 

Lighting 

■ 

■ 

An historic lamp standard reused as a feature element at the junction of Victoria St and Hyde Road. 

Modern light fittings in a traditional style are used along Victoria Street, and extended into Torbay 

Road. The use of these fittings should be extended into adjacent areas. 


■ 

Semi-mature street trees in grilles have been used to give scale and rhythm to Victoria Street. All the 

trees have been planted into the ground, avoiding the need for raised planters that disrupt the flow of 

the street and limit the growth and establishment of the trees. Black steel tree grilles and guards are 

used to protect the trees. The same species of trees and language of furniture should be continued 

into adjacent areas. 

■ 

Bedding plants have been used in displays at the junctions of Torquay Road and Hyde Road. These 

should be rationalised as part of any reorientation of the junctions. 

Maintenance 

Clutter - Victoria Street/Torquay Road 

Junction 

■ 

■ 

A reasonably high standard of maintenance has retained the quality of the works to Victoria Street, and 

it is one of the most popular shopping areas in Torbay. The robust materials have stood up well to use, 

and repairs have generally been carried out well. 

Cleanliness is an issue, particularly adjacent to seats and bins. Victoria Street, and Paignton Town 

Centre, must be identified as a priority area for street cleaning and maintenance. 

50


4.7 Old Paignton (Palace Avenue, Winner Street and the historic centre) 

The area around Winner Street (Palace Avenue, Church Street and Winner Street itself) forms the historic core 

of Paignton, which extended eastwards towards Torbay as land was reclaimed at the end of the 19th Century. 

This area is entirely within the Old Paignton Conservation Area, and contains a number of historic buildings. 

In 2002 Paignton Central Area Transport Study looked into the traffic circulation throughout the town centre. 

The proposals included pedestrianising a section of Torquay Road between Victoria Street and Palace Avenue 

to improve pedestrian movement between the old town and the seafront area. The study also proposed to 

revise the traffic flow through Winner Street to reduce rat-running and improve pedestrian accessibility. These 

proposals have been discussed with Winner Street and District Association, and are currently being discussed 

with Members. 

Winner Street - Existing 


In the 1990s Winner Street and Church Street were becoming run down and losing out to the main retail area 

of Victoria Street and Hyde Road. The historic character of the area was in danger of being lost. A Heritage 

Economic Regeneration Scheme, led by Torbay Council, has succeeded in improving a significant number of 

the properties along the street, and has helped to engender a new sense of civic pride. However, the quality 

of the streetscape remains relatively poor, consisting of a mix of in-situ concrete and concrete slab footways, 

concrete kerbs and blacktop road surface. The footways are also narrow and the space is dominated by 

vehicles. 

Winner Street - Potential 


■ 

■ 

Materials should be simple and clean. High quality concrete slabs could be used to tie in with the 

completed scheme in Victoria St. The final material should be carefully chosen to meet the physical 

and financial constraints of the street, and to enhance the visual quality of the Conservation Area. 

Existing Limestone kerbs should be retained wherever possible. 

Potential Paving Materials (High Street, 

Exeter) 

51




Copper Signs- Winner St 


■ 

■ 

■ 

Bespoke copper signs have been created for a number of the restored shops along Winner Street. 

These are all related to a Childhood theme. 

Several works of art have been developed on Winner Street, including a metal mural celebrating the 

Jubilee on a key façade at the northern end of the street, and a mosaic/mural along the previously 

dark and unwelcoming Sign Walk. 

A 'traditional' style of street furniture would be appropriate. This could be developed in association 

with an artist to create a unique range of elements that enhanced the character of the area. 

■ 

Pedestrian signage should be developed to tie in with the other streetscape elements. 

Lighting 

■ 

Where possible, lights should be mounted onto buildings to reduce clutter. Historic replica fittings or 

sculptural lights could be used to enhance the character of the area. 


■ 

■ 

Winner Street is a medieval street, and the use of trees within the street itself should be avoided to 

retain the character of this area. 

Palace Avenue looks inwards towards Palace Avenue Gardens, an important local green space. Some important 

mature trees exist within this space and must be retained, and additional tree-planting may be desirable. 

Maintenance 

Historic Light Fitting - Victoria Street 

■ 

Historically, street maintenance along Winner Street has been poor. The standard of cleanliness and 

repair to Winner Street needs to be significantly improved to meet the aspirations of the area as 

Paignton's historic core and speciality shopping area. Links to Victoria Street need to be improved. 

52


4.8 Paignton Seafront and Harbour 

Paignton Seafront links the town centre with Paignton Sands and Pier. The space is dominated by the Apollo 

Cinema, which terminates the view from Torbay Road, and holiday accommodation. The area is an important 

tourist route that has to cope with large numbers of visitors during the summer, and is exposed to the 

elements. 

The Eastern Esplanade is an important linear pedestrian space, bordering the beach. A number of key markers 

provide focal points for activity: Paignton Pier, Apollo Cinema, Torbay Road, and Roundham Harbour. A coordinated 

landscape strategy for the waterfront area should be developed to improve the pedestrian 

environment, with co-ordination with the different businesses and landowners whose properties affect the 

quality of the public realm. 

Paignton Harbour 


The existing surfaces are predominately red/black tarmac paving, with concrete kerbs and edging and blacktop 

road surfaces. Concrete pavers are used for the footpath along the Esplanade, with extensive lengths of 

Limestone kerbs. 

Paignton Harbour is within the Roundham and Paignton Harbour Conservation Area. The harbour is not the 

central focus for Paignton, as are the harbours in Torquay and Brixham, but retains a quieter charm with a 

collection of boats and harbour-side activities. It would be appropriate to build on the existing, historic 

harbourside materials as the basis for any improvement works. 

Esplanade Road 


■ 

■ 

Sequential replacement of the red tarmac to the Seafront with a fine-grade Bound Gravel surface will 

improve the character of the seafront. 

Concrete setts (tegula or similar) surfacing to Esplanade Road and Torbay Road would provide a more 

friendly surface for pedestrians - a simple, bold pattern could be appropriate for larger areas. The use 

Shelters on the Seafront 

53




Esplanade - existing 

■ 

■ 

■ 

of a visually interesting paving design could be considered to reflect its use by large number of 

holidaymakers. 

Traffic calming features could also be considered. Removal of the kerbs to provide an open pedestrian 

zone along the Eastern Esplanade would be beneficial. 

Countryside Kerbs would be suitable for use as a kerb along Torbay Road and Esplanade Road where 

limestone kerbs have been removed. 

Natural stone slabs, setts and kerbs are appropriate materials for the harbour area (see Roundham and 

Paignton Conservation Area below). 


Esplanade - Potential (SKETCH) 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

The existing sea wall is a concrete structure designed to deflect the power of waves during high tides 

and storms. Access through the structure is achieved by steps and ramps at numerous locations. 

Seating is provided in a number of locations along the Esplanade. These are standard benches and 

could be replaced by a sculptural design that is part of a co-ordinated range of furniture (bins, lights, 

bollards…). 

Bins need to be carefully designed to meet the requirements of the large numbers of visitors and of the 

Blue Flag awards without detracting from the streetscape. 

Shelters are located along the Esplanade. These are very popular with users of the space. Retention 

and maintenance of these structures is essential. 

A number of huts selling food and souvenirs are located along the esplanade. The position of these 

should be carefully set to avoid obscuring key views or blocking circulation routes, and the potential 

for more attractively designed modern units investigated. 

Existing lighting - Eastern Esplanade 

54


■ 

Lighting 

■ 

■ 

Sculptural interventions along the seafront are to be encouraged and provide additional interest. 

Designs can be light hearted and fun, and can often encourage interaction with children and passersby. 

Paving details can be used to incorporate sculptural details and motifs. 

The opportunity exists to replace the existing utilitarian lights with bespoke sculptural light columns 

that reinforce the character of Paignton seafront and increase its attractiveness to holidaymakers and 

locals alike. 

Festoon lighting is attractive to holidaymakers and provides additional interest along the promenade at 

night. Simple white lights are preferable to multi-coloured festoons. 

Existing wind-sculpted trees - The Green 



■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

The existing trees located on the seaward side of Esplanade Road are windswept and stunted, due to 

the onshore wind. Any future tree planting should be carefully considered, as trees in this location will 

take a long time to establish, and may also become deformed. It may be more appropriate to 

maintain the area as an open green with small areas of high quality planting in sheltered areas. 

Bedding displays on The Green, between Esplanade Road and the Eastern Esplanade add to the colour 

and interest of the space during the summer months, but need to be better integrated into the seafront 

design. 

Torbay palms and grasses around the cinema and crazy-golf facility add interest, and could be 

developed into a more extensive planting scheme for the sea front that is attractive and resistant to salt 

spray and onshore wind. 

It may be appropriate for hanging baskets and planters to be located in the more intimate and 

sheltered spaces around the harbour. 

Bedding Display - Paignton Green 

Large Bins, poorly located detract from 

the streetscape. 

55




Planting Scheme - Apollo Cinema 

Maintenance 

■ 

■ 

The Esplanade, Espalande Road, and Torbay Road are intensively used, particularly during the summer 

months. The spaces are a key area for tourists. Maintenance of these areas needs to be integrated 

between Highway Maintenance and Parks Departments. 

Provision of adequate bins, regular emptying of these and a clear cycle of street-cleaning are required. 

Provision of large wheeled-bins may be essential during the summer months, but these should be 

carefully located (at the back edge of paved areas, off key circulation routes/visual axes) to avoid 

detracting from the streetscape. 

56


4.9 Brixham Harbour 

Brixham Harbour is a bustling enclosed space, focused around the historic harbour area. A diverse range of 

activities caters for tourists, leisure sailors, residents and the important fish industry places pressure on the street 

environment. The northern and western edges of the harbour are trafficked, whilst the eastern edge is a 

pedestrian route. Due to the surrounding topography and its enclosed built form the Harbour retains much of 

its historic streetscape character. It is important that this is enhanced in any streetscape improvement works. 

Brixham Harbour is within the Brixham Town Conservation Area. 

A regeneration scheme for Brixham Harbour and town centre has been developed by Brixham 21 and the 

Torbay Development Agency. This offers the opportunity to significantly improve the streetscape and a clear, 

simple and appropriate language of materials and furniture will need to be used throughout the development 

area. This will need to be co-ordinated through all stages of the project to create a single identity for Brixham. 

Brixham Harbour -Existing 


Existing surfaces are a range of clay brick pavers, blacktop, small areas of stone setts and a mix of stone and 

concrete kerbs. The existing street furniture is unimaginative, and consists of painted steel guardrails, timber 

seats and standard bollards. A range of bespoke street furniture that reflects the historic nature of the harbour 

area would be appropriate. A number of large wheeled-bins are located within the harbour area to deal with 

the large volume of rubbish produced by visitors during the summer. These are out of place within this 

environment, and detract from the quality of the harbour. These should either be replaced with a larger 

number of smaller conventional bins in key locations, which would need to be regularly emptied during peak 

periods, or relocated to areas away from the harbour edge (adjacent to kiosks and buildings). 

Brixham Harbour - Potential (SKETCH) 


■ 

■ 

Replace the existing mix of surface materials with a simple design of natural stone setts and slabs that 

is in keeping with the character of the historic harbour. 

Retain the localised areas of high quality paving, or reuse them within any new layout. 

Bins on Harbour Edge 

57




Simple paving materials - Dartmouth 

■ 

Due to the wide range of functions occurring in the harbour area careful design of surfaces and layout 

is required to avoid conflicts and anticipate future problems. Potentially conflicting uses need to be 

separated without breaking up the overall scene. This can be achieved through careful detailing and 

the use of barriers such as guardrails and bollards. 


■ 

■ 

Develop a range of bespoke street furniture, possibly involving local artists, which will enhance the 

character of the harbour. This language of street furniture could be continued throughout Brixham. 

Remove the large wheeled bins from the harbour, or at least the harbour edge. Instead, carefully 

install more conventional bins and empty them regularly at peak times. 

Existing Kiosks 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

The existing fish-market is an important shelter and location for events and should be carefully 

incorporated into the street scene. Careful lighting of this structure is important. 

The kiosks selling boat trips and seafood that are located around the harbour are an important source 

of activity in the space, but also contribute to the visual clutter. Design guidance for these should be 

introduced, minimising the amount of extraneous signage and clutter. Associated seating areas should 

be carefully designed and in keeping with the character of the harbour. 

Remove unauthorised adverts and signs that detract from the character of the harbour area, increase 

clutter and block views. 

Remove odd items of street furniture (such as the fake market stalls) from the harbour to reduce clutter 

and create more useable space. A streetscape audit should be carried out and extraneous furniture 

removed. Unauthorised signage and adverts should be removed through enforcement action. 

Historic structures on the existing quayside should be carefully incorporated into the streetscape, and 

be constructed of complementary materials and forms. 

Existing Lights and Benches 

58


Lighting 

■ 

■ 

Traditional-style lighting columns have been used around the harbour, strung with white festoon 

lighting. These are appropriate in character, but at approximately 8m tall are out of scale. They 

should be replaced with lower traditional lighting, or more modern lights, either fitted to buildings or 

on plain free-standing columns. It may be appropriate to use a modern timber light-column that 

reflects the timber masts of the trawlers that use the harbour. 


■ 

Co-ordinated uplighting to key features and buildings should be considered. 

This space is a predominately hard-landscaped working harbour. Soft landscaping should be limited to 

hanging baskets located on shop-fronts around the harbour edge. 

Timber 'Mast' Light Fittings - Folkestone 

(Woodhouse) 


■ 

Opportunities for locating mature tree planting may occur where the street widens and pedestrian 

spaces are created - in these instances a single large tree could be planted to provide shade and 

shelter. 

Maintenance 

■ 

Ongoing maintenance of the harbour streetscape is crucial to enhance the quality of the space and 

make it more attractive to tourists and residents. Cleanliness and maintenance need to be of a high 

standard. 

Proposed design for Brixham Pedestrian 

Signage 

■ 

Removal of rubbish is of particular importance during the summer, when the concentration of large 

numbers of visitors in a relatively small area generates large amounts of waste. 

Unauthorised signs and boards - 

Brixham Harbour 

59





4.10 Brixham Town Centre 

This area, inland from Brixham Harbour is the main shopping area of Brixham and is within Brixham Town 

Conservation Area. Fore Street is pedestrianised and has the main concentration of shops and businesses, 

whilst Middle Street and Bolton Street have a number of secondary shops and serve as the main routes for 

traffic to the harbour. Town Square is a modern, but run-down, open space bordered on one side by a 

deteriorating multi-storey car park, and on the other by a canopied bus-stop. 

As the Brixham regeneration scheme is progressed a clear language of materials and furniture needs to be 

established and extended throughout the streetscape of Brixham. 

Middle Street - Existing 

Fore Street is a busy and popular street, with simple paving and traditional street furniture that provide a 

backdrop to activities occurring in the street; helping Fore Street to retain much of its historic character. The 

line of the carriageway has been maintained through the use of dark-blue brick pavers for the road, and buff 

'mathematical' pavers for the footways. Despite being over ten years old the scheme looks pleasant and is well 

used (although a slipping problem has been identified on the brick pavers). Fore Street should be used as a 

precedent in the development of a standard range of street furniture and materials to be used throughout 

Brixham. 

Town Square has its own language of materials - concrete slabs, in-situ concrete, red bollards and light columns 

and purple seats and bins. The space suffers from a lack of activity and maintenance, and is primarily 

overlooked by the rear of the Fore Street shops. This site and the adjacent car park have the potential to 

create a mixed-use town centre scheme that would generate life and activity in this area, and improve the 

streetscape. Development of the site is supported by the Local Plan. 

Sketch Redevelopment Proposals for 

Brixham Town Square, Landscape Design 

Associates) 

Middle Street has been treated with a mix of surfaces and styles, block paving and red tarmac, with red 

bollards, adjacent to Town Square, changing to a blacktop surface and path as it nears the harbour. 

60


A comprehensive streetscape scheme is required for these spaces, associated with the potential for 

development on the Town Square site and taking its lead from the materials used in Fore Street, and setting the 

standard for street furniture to be used throughout Brixham. 

New Road is the location for a number of important Civic buildings (the theatre and museum) and the 

approach taken with the adjacent streets should be extended to this area and the bottom of Bolton Street to 

link these with the town centre. 


■ 

The brick paving to Fore Street should be cleaned and replaced where damaged. The poor detailing 

around the existing recessed manhole covers should be replaced, and the paving pattern taken straight 

across the covers. 

Town Square, Brixham 


■ 

■ 

■ 

Careful consideration needs to be given to the potential slip hazard identified through the gradual 

wearing of the surface of the clay pavers. Potential solutions or alternative materials will need to be 

identified. 

A consistent language of surfacing materials should be used throughout these streets, taking its lead 

from Fore Street. Buff slabs and block paving should be used for footways, and dark-blue clay pavers 

used for pedestrianised carriageway areas. Conservation Kerbs are appropriate for use as a 

carriageway edge. 

Town Square should be considered in relation to the redevelopment of the car park and its 

surroundings. The use of a different palette of materials, that complements those established in Fore 

Street, could be considered. 

Canopy - Town Square, Brixham 

Existing surface treatment and poorly 

maintained bollards, - Middle Street, 

Brixham 

61




Materials and Street Furniture - Fore St 


■ 

■ 

Lighting 

■ 

A simple family of street furniture should be identified for use throughout the streets and spaces in 

Brixham. 

Public Art should be introduced in key locations. 

Fore Street is lit by lights mounted on buildings. This approach should be continued to Middle Street 

and in future development of Town Square. 

■ 

Where free-standing lights are required, they should be in an appropriate style and match the other 

items of street furniture. 


■ 

The use of street-trees would be appropriate throughout this area, used to create focal areas at wider 

areas of the street, or to form gateways or focal areas. 

Recessed Manhole Cover - emphasised 

by trim, Fore Street 

Maintenance 

■ 

Like the Harbour, ongoing maintenance of the streetscape is crucial to enhance the quality of this area 

and make it more attractive to tourists and residents. Cleanliness and maintenance need to be of a 

high standard. 

Granite sett and block paving - Pump 

Street, Brixham 

62


4.11 Conservation Areas 

Torbay's 24 Conservation Areas are its key historic areas. The streetscape contributes greatly to the character 

and appearance of these areas. Sympathetic materials, furniture and layouts should be used to enhance the 

character and quality of the Conservation Areas. 

The English Historic Towns Forum document, Traffic in Historic Town Centres, sets out the key issues that need 

to be addressed in order to create attractive environments within the historic core areas. Key considerations 

are the scale and line of the street, sensitive inclusion of traffic measures (minimal signage and the reduction of 

painted lines on the street) and use of simple, suitable materials. 

Higher Brixham Conservation Area 

(IMAGE) 


A general list of suitable materials is set out below. Specific guidelines for each Conservation Area are 

summarised in Appendix 1. The Environmental Guide (part of the Local Plan) and Conservation Area 

Character Appraisals contain greater detail on the character of each Conservation Area, suitable materials for 

use in the street, and other considerations that affect streetscape works. Any environmental improvement 

schemes to be carried out within these areas should be designed in liaison with the relevant Conservation 

Officer and Urban Design Officer. The design of these works should also incorporate, where possible, 

expression of the historic qualities of the Conservation Area - either through interpretative material or more 

subtle details or works of art. 

The Conservation Area Character Appraisals are currently being updated and will be completed in 2005. A 

Conservation Area Management Plan is being finalised for Torquay Harbour, linked to the Townscape Heritage 

Initiative for this area. 

Winner Street Mural - interpreting the 

historic character of the street (Old 

Paignton Conservation Area) 

There are a number of policies within Section 14 (Built Environment) of the Local Plan that relate to the built 

environment in general, and specifically Conservation Areas. The Local Plan states that 'all proposals should 

preserve or enhance the built environment, ensuring that the integrity of local character and distinctiveness is 

Vaughan Parade from Vane Hill - Torquay 

Harbour Conservation Area 

63




St Matthew's Road - (Chelston 

Conservation Area) 

protected. Development will not be permitted where it would harm features of historical, architectural and 

archaeological value or interest' (Policy BES). This applies equally to works in the 'street' as for new 

developments or buildings. 

Where street works involve excavation, the Council's archaeologist should be consulted prior to the 

commencement of works to ensure that potential archaeological remains are not destroyed. 

Materials 

■ 

Retain and reuse existing stone paving and kerbs (local grey limestone) when present. 

■ 

■ 

Use appropriate natural materials where possible, laid with traditional patterns or details. 

Where modern materials are used these should be simple and avoid inappropriate colours or patterns. 


Historic Lamp Column - Paignton (Old 

Paignton Conservation Area) 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Avoid visual clutter and the proliferation of street furniture, signage and painted lines. An audit and 

subsequent removal of unnecessary signage and furniture should be carried out as part of any 

streetscape works. 

Wherever possible, use existing historic elements and street furniture. The use of blue tile street 

nameplates, which are widespread in older parts of Torbay, should be maintained. 

New street furniture should be appropriate to the historic character. This may mean the use of 

appropriate modern elements, rather than pastiche or standard elements. 

Recessed Inspection Covers should be used in paved areas. 

Restored shop fronts - 36 Winner St, 

Paignton (Old Paignton Conservation 

Area) 

64


Lighting 

■ 

■ 

Reuse historic lamps where possible. If historic lamp columns are present, these could be used to 

create a mould for matching new light columns. Painting schemes should respect the character of the 

area and historic designs. Dark, recessive colours (black or dark blue) are generally appropriate. 


■ 

New lighting should respect the historic character of the area. 

Existing mature trees should be retained and supplemented by additional modern trees wherever 

possible. 

Mature plane tree - Brunswick Square 

(Torre Conservation Area) 


■ 

■ 

Soft Landscape elements should be carefully used to reinforce the character of the Conservation Area. 

In many historic places trees, shrubs and bedding plants would not have been present. Introduction of 

these elements should be carefully considered. 

Where planting is introduced the species used should reinforce the local character and consist of 

predominately native species. 

Maintenance 

■ 

The maintenance standards for each Conservation Area need to be set out in accordance with their 

use and prominence within Torbay. Key town centres and tourist hotspots will need a more intense 

regime to cope with the large number of people using these spaces - and the grime and rubbish 

produced. 

Torbay Road - Torquay Harbour 


65




Kerswell Gardens Roundabout and Floral 

Display, Torquay 

4.12 Key Gateways 

The streetscape at the key arrival points into Torbay, and into each of the town centres, is important as it helps 

in orientation and sets the scene for the whole area. 

Gateway areas are likely to be traffic dominated spaces, as they are the arrival points into an area. Where 

pedestrian use needs to be balanced with vehicular requirements, careful design is essential to prevent the 

creation of clutter and to clearly establish pedestrian and vehicular areas. The use of barriers to separate 

different uses should be avoided where possible. 

Materials 

■ 

Surface materials should be simple and easily read. 


Public Art as Gateway Feature - A6 

Derbyshire 

■ 

■ 

Signage is particularly important at Gateways. The presence of unnecessary and/or unauthorised 

signage can detract from the streetscape and be a barrier to clear orientation and direction finding. 

Advertising in these areas should be limited. 

Public Art can be a good method of creating a positive impression for Torbay, and the potential for 

incorporating Art into the Streetscape should be investigated. The potential for s106 money (from 

business development within an area) and grant funding to finance public art in key locations should 

be investigated as part of the Public Arts Strategy. 

Lighting 

■ 

Lighting is an important part of the design of Gateways. The design of streetlights can be used to 

reinforce the character of the area. 

Heavy Horse - Sculpture, M8 (Lovejoy) 

66


■ 

Lighting can also be used to reinforce the streetscape by lighting physical features such as public art, 

soft landscape, walls and key buildings. 


■ 

■ 

Trees, shrubs and other planting can be used to reinforce the character of Gateways. This landscape is 

usually seen from a distance or whilst in transit, so it is important for the design of landscape elements 

to be bold and simple. 

Low maintenance design options such as shrub and groundcover planting, ecological planting and 

wildflower seeding should be considered to reduce ongoing costs and maintenance requirements. 

Focal Point, Avenue and Planting, Oxford 

Business Park (Lovejoy) 


Maintenance 

■ 

■ 

Gateways set the scene for the area. Maintenance is therefore a key issue. A low standard of 

maintenance to these arrival spaces will create the impression of a poorly maintained environment, 

presenting a poor impression of the area as a whole to visitors and locals. 

Maintenance regimes should be agreed at the outset of the design of the Gateways. 

Entrance Gateway, Peascod Street, 

Windsor (Lovejoy) 

67




Fernicombe Road Local Centre - Existing 

4.13 District and Local Shopping Centres 

There are 3 District Shopping Centres and 27 local centres throughout Torbay, generally consisting of mediumsized 

streets or retail developments, and small groups of shops with an associated open space respectively. 

There are 3 District Centres in Torbay: Torquay Road, Paignton; Fore Street, St. Marychurch and The Willows, 

Barton. District Centres serve a wider area than their immediate surroundings, offering a mix of services. The 

Willows is a planned development incorporating a large superstore and specialist retailers, whilst Torquay Road 

and Fore Street are typical street shopping areas that have developed over time. Torquay Road is currently a 

busy through road with vehicle/pedestrian conflicts that will need to be addressed in future schemes for this 

area. Fore Street is a pedestrianised street within the St. Marychurch Conservation Area, which will require a 

specific design approach that reflects its location within the conservation area. 

Local Centres are often the focus of local communities and are used on a daily basis by the people that live 

around them. The spaces at these locations can often accommodate a range of uses that would be 

inappropriate in town centres: play areas, seating, community gardens etc. 

Fernicombe Road Local Centre - 

Potential 

Community Involvement is essential when generating designs for improvements to these areas. This will help 

to ensure the street meets the requirements of the local community, and that the space is respected and cared 

for following completion. 


■ 

Materials should be appropriate to the location and character of the area. Often the cost of natural 

stone will be too high, and in these areas a simple language of easily maintained tarmac and concrete 

slabs is likely to be appropriate. 

District Centre - St. Marychurch 

68



■ 

Lighting 

■ 

Street Furniture should be simple and hard wearing - standard bollard, bin and seat designs are often 

appropriate. Working with artists to develop street furniture designs can help to develop a unique 

sense of place within these communities, as well as reinforcing the development of community spirit. 

Simple, functional lighting that enables these spaces to be used safely into the evenings is essential to 

the success of these local centres. Shops should be encouraged to have internal shutters that allow 

light penetration to increase the activity of the street. 

Broadsands Road Local Shops 



■ 

Relatively simple planting can make a huge impact on these spaces. The provision of trees in 

association with seating or other activities can create a pleasant and attractive space of great benefit to 

the local community. 

Maintenance 

■ 

Involvement of local people (residents and shopkeepers) is key to the success of local, and to some 

degree district, centres. Ownership of the street/space by locals can help to raise the standard of the 

local space - encouraging the provision of informal seating, events and activity. The maintenance 

regime for these areas is likely to be less intense than for town centre streets, and priorities should be 

agreed with the locals. 

Local Centre - Poundbury 

Accommodation of Recycling/Bins within 

Local Centre - Poundbury 

69




Typical Residential Street - Crownhill 

Rise, Torquay 

4.14 Residential Streets 

Torbay's residential streets are the location for the day-to-day activities of the people who live in the area. 

These 'ordinary' spaces have, with local shopping centres and parks, the potential to be the focus for vibrant 

communities that generate life and activity. The treatment of these streets should usually be simple, with easily 

maintained materials and furniture. Lighting is important, as is the provision of tree planting and soft landscape 

which can give the street a more attractive human-scale and character. 

Many residential areas are dominated by cars, limiting the opportunity for informal use of the street as 

locations for play and other activities. In some areas it may be appropriate to instigate Home Zones, where 

the street is used as an active space and cars are encouraged, through the use of innovative design, shared 

surfaces and traffic calming, to slow down to allow other activities to occur. In these areas input from 

residents is essential, and design should involve a close working relationship between designers, engineers and 

residents. Artists are often involved in the design process to encourage interaction and generate community 

identity. Morice Town in Plymouth is a local example of Home Zone street design. 

Shared Pedestrian and Vehicular Street, 

Moretonhampstead 

New residential areas should be carefully designed to reduce the dominance of the car and encourage the 

creation of active residential streets. Numerous guidance documents have been produced encouraging good 

housing design (Better places to Live, DTLR/CABE, 2001 and the Home Zone Design Guidelines, IHIE, 2002). 


■ 

■ 

Surface materials should be simple and easy to maintain, reinforce community identity and reduce the 

dominance of the car in non-through roads. 

Black Tarmac with Concrete Kerbs is appropriate for through roads, but concrete/clay block paving and 

bound/porous gravel surfaces are more appropriate for shared surfaces, or pedestrian priority areas. 

These surfaces also give a more pedestrian friendly character to the street. 

Shared surface - Poundbury 

70



■ 

■ 

Lighting 

Street furniture should generally be simple and easy to maintain. In distinct neighbourhoods the use 

of a distinct language of street furniture can help to create a sense of local identity. In these cases a 

range of elements should be used throughout the area, including the local shopping centre, parks and 

play areas and streets. 

The inclusion of seating and play equipment within, or adjacent to, the street encourages other 

activities to occur within the street. Furniture should be carefully positioned to maximise the benefits 

to residents and minimise clutter. 

Recent Housing Development - Scott's 

Meadow, Torquay 


■ 

■ 

Lighting should be simple and functional, creating a safe and attractive night-time environment. 

In narrow streets, lights should be mounted on buildings to reduce clutter within the street. Care must 

be taken to position lights so that they do not project light into bedroom windows. 


■ 

■ 

Trees, planting and grass areas can help to create a residential feel. Careful choice of plants is required 

to minimise maintenance requirements and maximise safety. 

The provision of trees in a predominately hard landscape creates a more pedestrian-friendly 

environment, providing areas of shade and breaking up hard building. 

Lighting on buildings - Poundbury 

Maintenance 

■ 

Like local centres, ownership of the street by residents is essential to ensure that a high quality public 

realm is maintained. 

Tree planting and parking in Residential 

Streets - Isledon Village, Islington 

71




Torre Abbey Gardens, Torquay 

4.15 Public Parks and Gardens 

The general principles of streetscape design; recognising local distinctiveness, reducing clutter and increasing 

quality, all apply to Torbay's Parks and Gardens. Our green spaces, however, perform a different role, and a 

separate strategy is required for these areas. 

Local parks, within the communities away from the town centres, are important green spaces that have 

suffered from neglect and lack of investment in recent years. These spaces are important community facilities 

that help to create identity within each neighbourhood. A Green Space Strategy is being developed by Torbay 

Council, with assistance from CABE Space, with the aim of improving the quality of these open spaces. 

Battery Gardens, Brixham 

Brewery Park, Lower Ellacombe Road 

72

Landscape Design Associates Proposals 

for The Strand, Torquay

Programme for Adioption and Implementation 


5.0 Programme for Adoption and Implementation 

5.1 Immediate Action - By 2005 


5.1.1 Torbay Council has adopted the Streetscape Strategy as Supplementary Planning Guidance. Torbay 

Council will encourage council departments and developers to adopt the principles set out in the 

document, and address the streetscape and urban environment as part of their works. Torbay Council 

will use the planning process to secure improvements to the streetscape in association with new 

development. 

5.1.2 Torbay Council will secure Section 106 funding and unilateral agreements to facilitate streetscape 

improvements. This is supported by Policy CF6, Community Infrastructure Contributions, in the Local 

Adopted Plan. 

5.1.3 Torbay Council will ensure that all Major Streetscape Schemes are developed with urban and 

landscape design, and conservation, input at the beginning of the design process. Council Officers 

developing proposals that affect the streetscape will have regard to the guidance in this document, and 

will consult the Urban Design and Landscape Officer and Conservation Officers where appropriate. 

5.1.4 As schemes arise, Torbay Council will establish a clear language of street furniture and paving materials 

for each Town and Local Centre. To ensure that signage is co-ordinated with other furniture - Council 

departments will liaise to avoid proliferation of clutter and ensure that new paving, signage and 

furniture fit in with the approach set out in the Streetscape Guidelines. 

5.1.5 All works that affect the Streetscape will be developed with consideration of the principles set out in 

these guidelines. Consultation between Council Officers prior to the installation of new signage and 

street furniture is vital to reducing the amount of street clutter and improving the quality of the 

streetscape. 

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Maintenance and Cleansing Co-ordination and Strategy 

5.1.6 Torbay Council will develop a Green Space Strategy for all Torbay's Open Spaces (including streets, 

parks, and civic spaces). 

5.1.7 Torbay Council will review the maintenance of Torbay's Streets and public spaces and investigate ways 

of joining up different maintenance operations to create more effective maintenance and cleansing of 

the streetscape. This approach will need to include consideration of how to tackle forms of anti-social 

behaviour such as graffiti and vandalism. 

5.2 Medium to Long Term Action - by 2007 

5.2.1 Torbay Council will consider ways to secure funding for design and implementation of streetscape 

improvement schemes to the following Priority Sites: 


■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Torquay Waterfront and Fleet Street 

Brixham Town Square 

Brixham Harbour 

Torbay Road and Hyde Road, Paignton 

This could be associated with regeneration projects and/or funded through a variety of external funding 

sources. 

75



5.2.2 Torbay Council will consider ways to implement a programme of phased improvements to local 

centres throughout Torbay. An audit of these centres should be conducted and the priorities identified 

in liaison with local residents and businesses. 

5.2.3 Torbay Council will develop and adopt the Urban Design Framework to guide the development of 

the form of Torbay's built environment and public spaces. Torbay Council will use the Urban Design 

Framework, co-ordinated with the Local Development Framework, to establish priorities and proposals 

for improvements to the urban fabric and streetscape. 

5.3 Review 


5.3.1 In 2007 Torbay Council will review the quality of Torbay's Streetscape and the progress made in 

implementing the Streetscape Guidelines 2004-2007 and prepare an updated document. The Council 

will use existing monitoring methods (such as the Local Transport Plan and Retail Study) to assess the 

success or failure of streetscape schemes. 

5.3.2 From this review the priorities for the period 2007 to 2010 will be identified. 

76

Civic Plaza - Mayor's Office, London



Appendix One: Design Guide for Streetscape Elements 

Appendices 

A1.1 Surfacing Materials 

Surfacing materials are a key part of the streetscape. In most street views, about 50% of what we see is the 

ground plane. The quality and type of materials used is therefore vital to the character and people's 

impression of an area. Damaged or inappropriate paving can have an adverse effect on the entire streetscape. 

Torbay Standard Pink and Grey slabs - 

faded and poorly maintained 

Historic Granite Slabs and modern 

granite setts - Exeter Cathedral 

During the 20th Century, pavements had to respond to the rapidly increasing demands of wheeled traffic. The 

use of traditional materials was overtaken by the widespread use of tarmac and concrete slabs. This approach 

has eroded the character of many towns and cities. More recently the wide range of paving materials available 

has extended the range of materials used in the streetscape, in many cases further eroding the character of 

these towns, and contributing to the visual clutter of the urban environment. In addition, this increased choice 

has led to problems in replacing damaged materials, fading colours and problems of achieving the required 

quality in workmanship when installing more complicated patterns. Patterns that are drawn up in plan are 

often not appreciated when implemented on the ground and bear little relationship to the overall rhythms of 

the street scene. It is now becoming widely accepted that quality streetscape comes from simplicity. 

Visually, natural stone paving materials provide a richness that man-made materials cannot match. However it 

cannot always provide acceptable levels of vehicle passenger comfort, noise, skid resistance and surface 

uniformity. The cost of natural stone is also considerably higher, which can prohibit its use. Man-made 

alternatives must therefore be considered as they meet current economic and technical demands. The use of 

natural stone should therefore be carefully considered, concentrating on key pedestrian spaces and areas of 

heritage value. 

Careful consideration should be given when mixing natural and man-made materials. 

Squirrel Mosaic - Queen Street, 

Edinburgh 

78


The following principles should be considered when designing and specifying paving: 

■ 

Materials used should respect the local context, using local materials and detail. An assessment 

of existing materials in the area is important to assess what works in that environment. In most 

instances it will not be possible to start with a blank canvas. Integration with recent paving schemes 

that are well implemented and of high quality must be considered. 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Simplicity. In general, paving should provide an uninterrupted unifying surface as a backdrop for the 

activities that occur in that space. The paving should provide a unifying sense of visual order and 

harmony. In general, random pattern-making should be avoided. However, pattern can be used as a 

striking unifying element - care must be taken to ensure that the pattern does not become quickly out 

of date. 

When selecting materials sustainable accounting methods should be used to take into account 

the life-cycle cost. More expensive materials can offer better value for money. Where budgets are an 

issue it is better to focus on a smaller area and implement it to a higher quality. Traditional natural 

materials can, over their life-cycle, prove the most cost-effective because they are durable, improve 

with age and can usually be recycled. Invest in the best quality possible. 

Where possible, incorporate existing historic surfaces within the scheme, and match these 

when specifying new materials. If necessary, seek advice from conservation experts on the 

restoration and reinstatement of historic surfaces. 

The functionality of the street should determine the materials used. Areas that are trafficked, or 

used as access routes must be designed to accommodate vehicular movements. Small unit paving, or 

flexible surfaces such as tarmac or imprinted concrete, may therefore be appropriate in these areas. 

The relationship between these areas and adjacent pedestrian areas must be considered in terms of 

scale, finish and detail in order to present an ordered street scene. 

Striking use of Granite to form a 'Carpet' 

to a pedestrian street - Copenhagen 

Limestone aggregate block paving - 

Dartmouth Waterfront 

Good quality man-made units - Victoria 

Street, Paignton 

79



Appendices 

■ 

■ 

Paving units should be used where possible as they can be readily lifted and relaid to allow works to 

services below, and can be readily recycled if necessary. Flexible paving works as an interlocking 

surface. When areas are lifted to carry out works, it may be necessary to lift a wider area to properly 

reinstate the surface. 

All paving materials should be naturally coloured so that they will not fade over time. 

Coloured, man-made paving units must be UV-stable and coloured with natural iron oxide pigments to 

give long lasting, resilient colours that are consistent through the material. 

Historic 'Candy' clay pavers and Granite 

Kerbs - Fosse Street, Dartmouth 

Elegant Paving to shared surface - 

Copenhagen 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Irrespective of material used, a high standard of simple detailing and workmanship is 

essential. 

Even in pedestrianised areas, the retention of the kerb line, which may be flush, can enhance the 

character of the street. Respect the subtle proportional relationship between the pavement, buildings 

and carriageway. Avoid build-outs and wall-to-wall paving with the same type of surface. 

Consider the way the street will be used, and misused. The design and choice of materials should 

consider the potential for oil stains, variations in the weather and undesirable uses (skateboarding, 

vandalism etc). Use of rough surfacing, or localised rumble-strips can discourage use of a space by 

skate-boarders who prefer a smooth surface. 

Consider maintenance of the surface. It should be possible to remove chewing gum from the 

surface without damaging the material, or its jointing/laying material. 

When ordering paving materials for a scheme, between 5-10% additional units should be ordered and 

stored as matching replacements. 

Simple Granite Sett Paving, Barcelona 

80


Pedestrian Surfaces 

In the UK, rectangular paving slabs, originally in stone and later concrete, would have been used to pave 

footways. Typically, these would have been larger in size than paving for vehicular areas. In Torbay, however, 

there is no strong tradition of using a locally occurring paving material. Locally quarried limestone kerbs and 

steps are used throughout Torbay, and, due to a lack of suitable slab material, locally produced patterned clay 

pavers were used from a relatively early date. In some areas, other surfacing types have historically been used, 

eg 'beach pebble cobbles' in Brixham. Where possible, these local details should be incorporated into the 

paving scheme. 

In 2000, Torbay Council adopted a Footway Surfacing Policy which guided the use of different materials in 

High Amenity Areas Secondary Areas and Other Areas. This document provides more detailed advice relating 

to footway surfaces, with specific materials for High Amenity Areas in Torbay. Section 4.0 of the Torbay 

Streetscape Guidelines provides specific guidance on appropriate materials for each High Amenity Area. A 

design team drawn from the relevant council departments should develop the detailed design of these areas. 

Landscape and Urban Design involvement from the start of the design process is essential. 

Simple Stone Detailing - Poundbury, 

Dorset 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Where no strong tradition of paving material is present, local distinctiveness can be strengthened by 

reflecting the character of the local context and details. 

The use of paving slabs, of stone, artificial stone or pre-cast concrete, is preferable for pedestrian areas 

and should be used in high amenity areas throughout Torbay. Standard sized rectangular slabs 400mm 

wide, and 450 to 600mm long would be appropriate. Using a paving unit of this size will mean that 

the surface will withstand vehicles periodically over-running the footway without breaking. 

The use of small block or brick paving must be carefully considered to maintain the character of the 

streetscape. A good example is Fore Street in Brixham, where brick paving has been used to reflect 

local distinctiveness, and a simple design has helped to reinforce the character of the street. 

All pedestrian paving should be laid with a staggered joint. 

Yorkstone Paving - Castle Circus, Torquay 

Simple, effective paving - Torre Abbey 

Sands, Torquay 

81



Appendices 

Granite slab paving and recessed 

manhole cover- Union Street, Torquay 

■ 

Where slab paving is inappropriate, bituminous macadam (bitmac) should be used as a neutral and 

inexpensive alternative. Depending on the context of the area it may be appropriate for the surface to 

be coloured red or rolled with chippings. The use of red tarmac is most appropriate in amenity areas 

such as the seafront, and its use should be avoided in Conservation Areas and Town Centres. If 

chippings are used, the quality of workmanship must be high to ensure consistency. Repairing tarmac 

surfaces with chippings is difficult, so these surfaces should be used only in small, high quality areas 

where plain blacktop or a higher quality surface would be inappropriate. When works are 

undertaken to coloured bitmac surfaces, the repair must be to sufficiently large an area to avoid 

creating a patchy and uneven appearance. To enable this, where possible, red tarmac should be laid 

in panels, with block or paver edging to enable consistent repair. 

■ 

Resin-bound gravel could be used as a surface finish to tarmac or concrete surfaces where a high 

quality finish is required. The colour of the aggregate and resin should be carefully chosen to suit the 

context of the area. 

■ 

In suburban or rural locations, crushed stone, gravel or self-binding stone surfacing may be an 

appropriate and inexpensive surface finish. Crushed stone surfaces are not permitted on the highway. 

Resin Bound Gravel - Riverside Park, 

Staines 

■ 

Where there is a chance that vehicles will run up on the pavement, smaller and thicker slabs of the 

same material should be used on a firm concrete base course that is capable of bearing the load. 

Where possible, areas where traffic might run onto paved areas should be avoided in the design of the 

street as this may present a hazard to pedestrians. 

Pedestrian Crossings 

Pedestrian Crossover - Port Marine, 

Portishead 

■ 

■ 

Where pedestrian priority is given at road crossings, this should be reflected in the design of the 

crossing. It is appropriate for these to take a similar form to traditional cross-overs which were usually 

constructed in setts (which will act as a traffic-calming measure), but incorporating a smooth band of 

appropriate paving as a walking surface in between. 

Raised junctions improve the opportunities for pedestrians to cross. They must be designed so that 

children and the visually impaired do not presume that they are part of the footway. 

82


Access for All: Tactile Paving and Drop Kerbs 

■ 

■ 

Tactile paving is required to increase the legibility of the street for the visually impaired. While 

meeting the requirements of the latest legislation, it should be designed to integrate successfully with 

the surrounding paving and overall character of the streetscape. 

In keeping with guidance in other streetscape documents, it is noted that while contrast and colour are 

important, the tactile quality of the surface is of key importance. In high profile streets and 

Conservation Areas it is proposed that we should use tactile paving that blends in with the surrounding 

materials and layout for all uncontrolled crossings. 

Well detailed drop-kerb - Canary Wharf, 

London 

Appendices 

■ 

Red tactile paving must be used at controlled crossings, as set out in 'Inclusive mobility' - which gives 

guidance on best practice for accessible design. The design and layout of this tactile paving must be 

carefully considered to tie in with the surrounding paving layout. 

■ 

Tactile paving can now be cut from stone, or created through the use of stainless steel or brass insets, 

creating a finish that is in accordance with the rest of the street. This approach has been successfully 

carried out in high profile schemes throughout the UK. 

■ 

Ramps and drop-kerbs to provide for wheelchairs, pushchairs etc. should be located at all road 

crossings, and at other key points along the kerb line. They should be designed into the street scene 

to allow access for all. Careful consideration should be given to their detailing so that they integrate 

with the surrounding paving scheme, avoiding unsightly cut lines and awkward slopes. 

Stainless Steel Stud Tactile Paving - 

Queen Street, Exeter 

■ 

Trip hazards, such as kerbs and steps, need to be clearly identified. This can be achieved either 

through contrasting materials, or the use of visual markers such as grooves, or recessed carborundum 

disks. 

Step Detail - Mayor's Office, London 

83



Steps and Ramps 

Appendices 

■ 

Steps are a key feature of the Torbay street scene, particularly in Torquay and Brixham. Materials 

should accord with the rest of the streetscape, and be appropriate to the place. Historically, limestone 

steps, carved out of single pieces of stone, have been commonly used. Where still present, these 

should be retained. 

Limestone Steps, Fleet Walk 

Disabled Ramp - Post Office, Fleet Walk 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Ramps for those with disabilities can be incorporated into the street. Detailing and an imaginative 

approach are crucial to achieve an appropriate design. 

Where appropriate, handrails should be provided to facilitate use of steps and ramps. Handrails 

should be located to avoid sight-lines and minimise clutter. Materials and design details should match 

other street furniture in the vicinity. 

Steps and Ramps, with other streetscape elements, are often attractive to Skateboarders, resulting in 

damage to the elements, and potential intimidation of other street users. Design of streetscape 

elements should attempt to reduce their potential for this use by designing out low, straight edges and 

considering the relative location of ramps and other elements. Recessed handrails are less attractive to 

skateboarders, and should be used in preference to free-standing handrails where possible. 

Skateboarders do not like rough surfaces, which can therefore be used to discourage skating. 

Alternatively, spaces can be designed to accommodate skateboarders in specific areas. A recent 

scheme in Milton Keynes has involved skateboarders in the design of public spaces to ensure that 

designs are robust enough to accommodate this use, and to discourage skateboarding in inappropriate 

areas. 

High Quality Steps and Ramps - 

Broadgate, London 

84


Vehicular Surfaces 

■ 

Road designs and surface treatment should relate to their urban, suburban or rural location, and reflect 

the local character of the area, particularly in areas of historic interest. The distinction between roads 

(for cars) and streets (for people) should be reflected in the design of the street and treatment of the 

surface. Creating a level surface across the street, and using block paving rather blacktop can help to 

increase the perception of the street as a pedestrian dominated space. 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Paving materials affect user perceptions and should be selected to relate to the intended traffic 'design 

speed' of a place. Rough surfaces will slow down vehicles (and people). For this reason a surface of 

setts may be appropriate in town centres where a slow design speed is required. Designing in trafficcalming 

into the surface should lead to a reduction in traffic-calming measures. 

Limestone, Granite or 'Conservation' kerbs should be used in key or historic areas. In urban areas it 

may be appropriate to use a sett or stone drainage channel to emphasise the line of the footway and 

form a cleat edge to the more uniform carriageway surface. 

In rural areas kerbs should be kept to a minimum to avoid a 'suburban' feel. Verges should be retained 

in suburban and rural areas. 

In general, black bitmac is preferable for vehicle-only surfaces. Stone or concrete setts, or bound 

gravel surfacing may be appropriate in key or historic areas, reinforcing local distinctiveness. 

Road markings to regulate traffic should be as unobtrusive as possible and kept to a minimum. Yellow 

lines should be 50mm rather than 100mm wide. In Conservation Areas 'Primrose' lines are more 

appropriate than yellow. 

At the interface with pedestrian crossings or pedestrianised areas, reconstituted granite or granite 

rumble-strips should be provided with the pedestrian-crossing either paved, or surfaced with a top 

dressed with a buff or light aggregate. 

Well detailed drop-kerb - Canary Wharf, 

London 

Granite sett road surface - Peterhead, 

Scotland (Lovejoy) 

Sawn Yorkstone Sett Paving to Square - 

Gibraltar (Marshalls) 

85



Shared Surfaces 

Appendices 

Shared Surface - Fosse St, Dartmouth 

■ 

■ 

Smaller scale paving units should be used, thick enough to withstand vehicle loading. These should be 

stone blocks or setts, concrete blocks or brick pavers. In Conservation Areas and the more historic 

parts of towns, stone blocks or setts, or 'conservation' blocks should be used. 

Traditionally only the most durable materials were used for vehicular areas. As these were often 

difficult to work, they were relatively small in size (100 x 100mm to around 250 x 200mm). 'Setts' 

were generally laid in straight courses of varying sett length with the smallest or largest units used for 

channels, edges or carriage tracks. These principles should be followed in the design of vehicular 

areas where flexible surfacing is not used. This can be achieved with traditional style pre-cast concrete 

blocks with a weathered appearance if natural materials are not appropriate. 

Traffic-Calming 

Rough Granite Sett Shared Surface - 

Tower of London 

Buildings used as Traffic Calming, 

Bradninch 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

An overall strategy for traffic-calming should be developed for an area as a whole as a key part of a 

wider urban design analysis and traffic management plan. 

Traffic-calming measures should be fitted sensitively into the street scene as though they were part of 

the original design of the area. Traffic-calming can often be achieved through careful carriageway 

alignment and material detailing, without the use of speed-humps or chicanes, which can detract from 

the street scene. Specialist urban design or architectural expertise must be considered at the earliest 

stage to ensure that all physical measures reinforce local character whilst meeting operational 

requirements. 

Guidance regarding Traffic-calming is given in PPG 15, Planning and the Historic Environment. The 

Guidance advises that standard solutions for historic areas are inappropriate, and that each feature or device 

should relate in its design or materials to the overall townscape. Traffic-calming interventions should 

reinforce rather than diminish local character. Particular care should be taken in Conservation Areas. 

Features should relate to the local context, using traditional materials and paving arrangements 

wherever possible. Coloured surfaces should be avoided. 

86


■ 

Where vehicles are allowed in the main shopping streets a 20mph speed limit zone should be 

considered. In pedestrianised areas access should be further reduced, with deliveries limited to the 

early morning and late afternoon only. This will create a pleasant pedestrian environment during the 

key periods of the day, and help to reduce the number and severity of accidents. One sign should be 

introduced at the entrance to the zone and further traffic-calming avoided keeping street clutter to a 

minimum. The Council now has the power to declare 20mph zones in appropriate circumstances 

without referral to DETR. 

Appendices 

■ 

Where designation of a 20mph zone is not possible or desirable, traffic speeds should be controlled by: 

1. The arrangement of buildings and spaces 

2. Gateway Features 

3. Reinforced by the location of street furniture elements 

4. Narrowing of the carriageway and smaller corner at junctions to force slower and more careful 

movement by all vehicles 

5. Changes in surface materials, such as sett surfaces or rumble strips. 

Simple Entrance to 20mph Zone - Totnes 

Interventions should be designed to minimise the impact on the streetscape. Signs and other street 

furniture should be kept to a minimum. 

■ 

Physical traffic-calming measures such as speed humps and chicanes should be used as back-up 

measures where the layout does not necessitate low speeds. This approach is more appropriate to 

residential areas, and should be avoided if possible. 

Granite Bollards define shared 

carriageway - Plymouth 

■ 

■ 

Only traditional materials should be used in the highway. Asphalt and granite setts are usually 

appropriate, colour-contrasting surfaces should be avoided. Road markings should be confined solely 

to those essential for highway safety. 

Signs with yellow backgrounds and repeater signs should be avoided. 

DETR, Places, Streets and Movement - A companion to Design Bulletin 32 Residential roads and footpaths, September 1998, p63. 

Rough Vehicular Surface as traffic 

calming - Poole, Dorset 

87



Cycle Routes/Access 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

Incorporation of access for cyclists should be considered at the design stage. In busy streets it may be 

appropriate to incorporate a separate cycle lane, where room allows. In town centre streets, where 

traffic speeds are low, it is usually more appropriate, and less visually intrusive, to encourage cycle use 

of the carriageway. 

Links to the National Cycle Network should be made where appropriate. 

Cycle Parking - Union Street, Torquay 

■ 

Cycle Parking should be provided at all key centres and attractions. 

The Fine Details 

Recessed Service Cover - @ Bristol 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Simplicity is the key to achieving a high quality streetscape. The quality of the detailing and 

workmanship is crucial to the quality of the finished scheme. Effective detailing, specification and 

management of contractors on site is crucial to the finished quality of the streetscape. 

Recessed service-covers should be used in all paved areas. These should be set unobtrusively within 

the paving and orientated to the angle of the paving units. The pattern of the paving should continue 

through the cover to further reduce its visibility. Paving patterns or a contrasting unit will draw 

attention to the service-covers and should not be used. 

At corners, slabs should be neatly laid in a dovetail or radius pattern, or a clear change of angle 

established. With small units, the line of paving can be curved around corners. 

At changes in level or ramps, paving should be carefully detailed to avoid awkward changes in angle 

and cuts in paving materials. 

Incorporation of Public Art or Local Details within the paving should be encouraged, but fussy detailing 

should be used sparingly to avoid over-complex paving schemes. 

Recessed Stainless Steel Lettering in 

Yorkstone Paving (Hardscape) 

88

Paving Schemes: Examples of Good Practice 

Bristol Shore Road, Perth Mayor's Office, South Bank, London Picardy Place, Edinburgh

Mosaic Benches - Parc Guell, Barcelona


A1.2 Street Furniture 

Street Furniture is the general term given to hard elements that are included in the street to make it more 

comfortable, safe or understandable and includes: benches and seats, bollards, waste receptacles, lighting, 

signage and on street advertising. 

The key principles to consider in designing and positioning furniture in the street are: 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Reduce unnecessary clutter, 

Reinforce local distinctiveness, 

Maintain sight-lines between vehicle drivers and pedestrians, 

Allow for disabled access, and 

Maintenance and Cleansing. 

Seating and Bollards - Victoria Street, 

Paignton 

General Principles 

■ 

■ 

■ 

The specifications of materials must demonstrate high standards of visual attractiveness, durability and 

environmental performance. 

The street furniture used should be appropriate to the place and reflect local distinctiveness and 

character. This is especially important in key areas or areas of historic importance. Public Art can be 

incorporated into street furniture to reinforce local character. 

Co-ordination between the different elements of street furniture is important to prevent visual clutter 

and disparity. A matching 'family' of furniture should be prepared for a space or series of spaces. This 

should co-ordinate with signage and other streetscape elements, and be co-ordinated within towns 

and districts. 

Co-ordinated Street Furniture - 

Teignmouth Triangles 

Bespoke Street Furniture - Buckfastleigh 

91



Appendices 

Pomegranate themed Furniture- 

Granada, Spain 

■ 

■ 

Street furniture should fit into the overall street scene rather than be the focus of it. In general, street 

furniture should be a single dark, recessive colour such as black or dark blue. Exceptions to this would 

be where street furniture is part of the distinctiveness of an area, such as the railings around Torquay 

Harbour, or where a contemporary feel is considered to be appropriate, such as the use of Stainless 

Steel elements in Union Street. 

All street furniture should be of a high quality design. Above all, the design style should be carefully 

chosen so that it will not date and will be appropriate to the area. In general, good contemporary 

design is preferred to 'historical pastiche' (eg. Mock 'Victorian' lamps and advertising hoardings). 

Simple forms and clean lines should predominate. 

■ 

In some cases, it may be appropriate for innovative solutions to provide a modern focus for activities 

or regeneration. In these cases, design should be of the highest quality, using natural or modern 

materials. High quality detailing is essential. 

■ 

Street Furniture in Conservation Areas should, where possible, reflect the historic character of the area. 

If existing historic furniture is present, this should be used to form the basis of any new additions 

(moulds can be taken from existing fittings and used to create replicas). The use of standard mockperiod 

furniture should be avoided and care must be taken to avoid the use of pastiche fittings. 

Simple Signage - Poundbury, Dorset 

■ 

In rural areas and villages, street lighting, traffic signs and traffic lights should be kept to a minimum to 

reduce clutter and prevent a 'suburban' feel encroaching on this environment. 

■ 

Consideration should be given to the visually impaired. Some contrast should be made between the 

ground plane and furniture elements to allow them to be distinguished. However, care must be taken 

not to destroy the simplicity and unity of the overall scheme by introducing inappropriate contrasting 

elements. Avoid the use of retrofitted solutions, such as contrasting paint effects, as these will become 

an ongoing maintenance issue and will detract from the overall street scene. 

Spherical Bollards - Buckfast Abbey 

92


■ 

■ 

Street furniture is often attractive to skateboarders, who find many modern streetscape designs more 

interesting and challenging than purpose-made skate parks. Careful design and choice of furniture can 

reduce the potential for damage from skateboarding. Use of rough surfaces, reduction in 'clean' lines, 

and careful positioning of ramps can all reduce damage from inappropriate skateboarding. 

At the design stage an audit should be carried out of all existing furniture and any unnecessary 

elements should be removed during the construction works. 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

Maintenance of street furniture is important. Furniture and materials should be selected to minimise 

maintenance requirements. Lighting should be designed to consider the maintenance and longevity of 

bulbs and equipment. Failed bulbs should be quickly replaced. 

Cleaning should be an ongoing and regular process. Unclean streets look un-cared for and encourage 

anti-social behaviour and vandalism. The potential to link different cleaning and regular maintenance 

operations (such as emptying bins, watering hanging baskets etc.) should be considered to reduce costs 

and maximise the quality of the streetscape. 

Carefully grouped street furniture 

reduces clutter - Union Street, Torquay 

Locating Street Furniture 

The positioning of all poles, signs, posts, guardrails, boxes and bollards is often carried out without any regard 

for the surrounding buildings or the visual composition of the overall street scene. The introduction of 

individual elements and signage gradually degrades the quality of the streetscape. This can be improved by 

undertaking a multidisciplinary approach to street design and co-ordinating the placing of different elements 

throughout the street. Before placing any additional elements in the street, consideration must be taken of the 

impact of these elements, and the relevant Council Officers consulted. 

Carefully co-ordinated Street Furniture - 

@ Bristol 

■ 

A co-ordinated approach must be adapted to the design, installation, management and maintenance 

of all street furniture to create a sense of order and hierarchy in the street. 

Wall mounted light - Poundbury, Dorset 

93



Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

When reviewing or redesigning areas, the signage and street furniture requirements should be 

anticipated at the preliminary design stage and incorporated into the overall design. Consider the 

overall scheme and locate street furniture where it can serve more than one purpose, minimising the 

need for other elements. 

Reduce unnecessary elements. Lights and signs can be attached to buildings, or located at the back of 

the pavement. Other signs can be grouped on a single column, and traffic lights and signs can be 

fixed to lamp columns to further reduce the number of elements in the street. 

All efforts should be made to minimise the number of poles within the streetscape (which create 

clutter and are a hazard to visually impaired pedestrians). Wherever possible, street furniture should 

be combined on existing poles, located on buildings or provided with a solid base. 

All street furniture should be integrated into the overall streetscape so that it does not block views, 

impede pedestrian movement or inconvenience other functions of the street. Maintaining the line of 

sight between the pedestrian and vehicle drivers is important, particularly close to pedestrian crossings 

and junctions. 

Wherever possible, locate street furniture on buildings or at the back edge of the pavement. 

Bespoke Street Furniture - Pannier 

Market, Plymouth 

■ 

■ 

The location, type and condition of street furniture should be checked annually, to review 

performance, durability and resolve any problems that may have occurred or are anticipated (eg. 

planned modifications to a road layout, conflict with other street furniture, conflict with future for 

community regeneration etc). 

An ongoing maintenance programme should be agreed as part of an overall street management 

strategy. Damaged or vandalised elements should be repaired/replaced as quickly as possible. 

Seats - Barcelona 

94


Historic Street Furniture 

■ 

■ 

A register of historic elements within the streetscape should be made and responsibility for 

maintenance agreed. 

Where possible, preserve and use historic street furniture in situ to reinforce local historic character. 

These elements may include seating and bollards, and also drinking fountains, horse troughs and other 

'redundant' streetscape elements. 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

Where historic furniture exists, or can be designed from background material (historic designs or 

photographs) it may be appropriate to use these designs to reflect local distinctiveness. Casts can be 

made from existing elements and used to create modern replicas. This can be expensive, but is 

particularly successful in reinforcing the 'sense of place' and adding distinctiveness to the streetscape. 

Care must be taken to ensure the details are authentic and accurate. 

Carefully relate each item to the wider townscape setting. Generally, historic elements should relate to 

the overall street scene rather than become the centre of attention. 

Simple Streetscape - The Barbican, 

Plymouth 

■ 

Historic street furniture, such as the various Seafront Shelters, is an important part of the character of 

the streetscape. Their historic detail, colour scheme and maintenance of these structures needs to be 

carefully considered and they must be integrated with the overall design of the streetscape. 

Benches and Seating Areas 

Restored Lampost - Victoria Street, 

Paignton 

■ 

Rather than providing large numbers of benches, provide opportunities for seating integrated into the 

overall streetscape design. South-facing, sunny and sheltered spots are most popular spaces for 

lingering, as well as nodes with views and places where activity is concentrated. 

Modern cycle racks and historic bollards 

- Arles, France 

95



Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Seating, as with other street furniture, can be designed to reflect local character or distinctiveness. Use 

of sculptural seats, or seats that incorporate public art can add to the quality of the streetscape. 

Where seats are located on slopes, care must be taken to position the seat and arrange the ground 

levels to avoid having to 'jack-up' the seat on blocks of concrete or stone. 

Consideration must be given to undesirable uses and maintenance. Poor location of benches can 

concentrate antisocial activities and create unsafe areas. 

Historic Bull Bollard - Perth 

■ 

Vandalism and damage, for example through inappropriate use by skateboarders, can quickly cause 

seats to deteriorate, detracting from the streetscene and reducing their use by members of the public. 

Seats should be carefully specified to avoid designs that are susceptible to damage (e.g. low timber 

benches without arms). 

Bollards 

Bollards add clutter to the street scene and, like all street furniture, they should be used only when they are 

essential to the function of the street. They can also be a hazard to the visually impaired. Wherever possible, 

eliminate the need for bollards through good design. Where unavoidable, keep the number of bollards to a 

minimum. 

Barcelona seats.eps 

■ 

Historically, bollards were carefully placed to perform specific functions. Well placed bollards should 

be used to: 

1. Define space and delineate different uses 

2. Prevent vehicular access 

3. Protect buildings 

96


■ 

Bollards should be carefully selected to reinforce local character and distinctiveness. If present, local 

designs should be recast and reused rather than introducing additional elements. 

■ 

In rural areas, timber or stone posts may be more appropriate to the local situation. Avoid introducing 

urban elements into the rural landscape. 

Guard Rails and Feature Railings 

Appendices 

Guard Rails and Railings are a safety requirement in certain areas, but as with other streetscape elements they 

should be kept to a minimum to avoid clutter. 

Modern and Traditional Handrails - 

Mayflower Steps, Plymouth 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Where possible, guardrails should be avoided as they segregate people and can encourage higher 

vehicle speeds. Where road widths can be reduced and simplified single-stage pedestrian crossings 

achieved, guardrails can often be removed to reduce clutter and improve the pedestrian environment. 

Where necessary, the design of these 'barriers' should be carefully considered to reinforce local 

character and distinctiveness. Standard DOT galvanised guardrails should be avoided, especially when 

they are located adjacent to other street furniture elements. 

Historic elements such as Victorian Handrails to the sea-wall should be retained and reinstated. It may 

be appropriate to adopt a separate colour scheme for these elements to enhance their character and 

original pattern. Lighting schemes should integrate with the handrail design. Simple, white lights are 

often preferable to multi-coloured festoon lighting. 

Historic Handrail - Torquay Harbour 

Bicycle Racks 

■ 

Bicycle racks are functional streetscape elements that should be designed to co-ordinate with the 

overall street scene. Colour, style and location should be carefully considered to accord with the rest 

of the street and enhance local distinctiveness. Location of Cycle Racks within a street should be 

considered - locating cycle parking close to the entrances to a shopping street may be appropriate. 

Modern Handrail - Gateshead 

(Woodhouse) 

97



Waste Receptacles 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

Bins are an important element of the streetscape. They should be carefully designed to enhance the 

character of the street and match the language of street furniture used. 

The cleaning and emptying of bins is important to maintain the impression of a well cared for street. 

In busy areas, bins should be emptied on a daily, or more frequent, basis. 

Bin - Teignmouth Triangles 

■ 

■ 

Where required, recycling Areas should be carefully integrated into the street scene. Large-scale bins 

and other elements should be set back from the street, behind the footway edge, and carefully 

integrated with surrounding landscape elements. 

Waste bins located on Promenades have to conform with requirements of the Blue Flag and Beach 

Resort Awards standards. In these areas it is important to liaise with Leisure Services to ensure that 

street furniture meets these requirements. 

Modern Bin - Burslem (Woodhouse) 

■ 

The location and design of bins needs to be discussed and agreed with Environment Services and 

Street Cleansing at the design stage. Issues such as location, volume and maintenance issues need to 

be considered. Rats and Seagulls are a problem throughout Torbay and should be considered in the 

design of bins. 

Bus Shelters, Seafront Shelters and Public Toilets 

■ 

■ 

Built structures can be particularly disruptive to the street scene. Careful design and location is 

essential to reduce clutter, maintain views and minimise maintenance issues. Site-specific designs are 

better than off-the-peg solutions. 

Maintenance is important to ensure these structures are kept clean, and that any damage or vandalism 

is quickly repaired. 

Elegant Bus Shelter Seville 

98


Street Cabinets 

Street cabinets are used for a variety of purposes by utility companies and the council. They are often 

positioned without thought to their colour, size and relationship to the overall street scene. 

■ 

Cabinets should be a dark colour to either match the language of street furniture, or adjacent surfaces 

or boundaries. 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

Where possible, cabinets should be buried or located in adjacent buildings or side-streets. Where 

required, cabinets should be positioned at the back edge of the footway. 

Flyposters and graffiti should be quickly removed from cabinets and other items of street furniture as 

part of a regular streetscape maintenance regime. Anti-graffiti paint on cabinets can often look worse 

than the flyposters. Providing a designated surface for flyposting in problem areas can often solve the 

problem. 

Shelter on Paignton Promenade 

Utility boxes and other furniture can 

combine to add clutter to the street - 

Plymouth 

Street Cabinet with anti-graffiti paint - 

Torbay Road, Torquay' 

99

Street Furniture: Examples of Good Practice 

Legible City / @ Bristol Legible City / @ Bristol Teignmouth Triangles Burslem Market Square, Stoke (Woodhouse)


A1.3 Signage 

The principles of design quality and simplification, and the reduction of unnecessary highway signage (and 

other clutter) are crucial to improving the streetscape. All signage on the highway must conform to 

government guidance. Torbay Council adopted a Signage Policy in 2000. Recently a detailed study has been 

carried out of Highway Signage throughout Torbay. 

Appendices 

Clutter can be reduced by eliminating unnecessary signs, equipment, posts and columns, and by co-ordinating 

the colour and design of each piece of essential equipment with others in a group. This can happen 

incrementally through routine maintenance, or as part of a structured audit process. Recently, Nottingham has 

carried out an audit of its street furniture and is scrapping 10,000 surplus street signs from just one square mile 

of the city. All new highways schemes should include a review of signage and the removal of unnecessary signs 

(and other items of furniture). 

A Pedestrian Signage Strategy is in the process of being adopted by Torbay Council which will co-ordinate with 

these guidelines. The principles of reducing clutter, using high quality materials and reflecting local character 

will form the basis for the design of new pedestrian signage, which will replace the deteriorating white signs 

that are currently used throughout Torbay. Specific signage designs will be used within the key urban areas to 

reinforce local identity, whilst simple designs will be used within the outlying and rural areas. 

Signpost - Union St, Torquay 

The use of Signage at Gateways into Torbay sets the scene for Visitors to the area. The use of signage in these 

areas should be co-ordinated with the design of the landscape, highway signage and layout, lighting and the 

potential for public art. A simple layout that avoids unnecessary signage is preferable. 

Pedestrian Signage 

Pedestrian signs are particularly important for major holiday destinations such as Torbay. It is important that 

people are clearly and logically guided to their destinations. There are currently three pedestrian signage 

systems 

Cluttered signage - Winner Street, 

Paignton 

101



Appendices 

used in Torbay; white (the commonest, used throughout the bay), black (Fleet Street) and Stainless Steel 

(recently introduced to Lower Union Street). Other than the Stainless Steel signs in Torquay, these have been in 

place for some time and are due for phased replacement. This should be carried out in conjunction with 

regeneration and traffic management initiatives. 

■ 

As with other elements of street furniture, pedestrian signs should be kept to a minimum and used in 

key locations only. The design of the streetscape should create a more legible urban environment and 

encourage easy movement from one destination to another, reducing the need for numerous signs. 

Signage Design - St. Marychurch 

Pedestrian Map - The Barbican, 

Plymouth 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

The new Pedestrian Signage Strategy will co-ordinate the design and use of Pedestrian Signage within 

Torbay. The design of pedestrian signage should match other street furniture within an area, and help 

to reinforce local identity. The use of bespoke designs, possibly developed in association with local 

artists, often helps to develop a strong sense of local identity and ownership from local residents. 

A list of destinations and information to be included on the signs should be drawn up. Established 

icons should be used to reinforce words where appropriate. This also increases understanding for 

non-British visitors. 

Waymarking routes for pedestrians should be identified along the most logical and direct routes. Signs 

should be located at nodes and decision points and planned so that the number of signs required is 

minimised. 

Pedestrian sign design should reinforce local identity and accord with the other materials and street 

furniture used in the street. A minimum number of different types should be used in Torbay, although 

it would be appropriate to use different styles within Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. 

Where necessary, signing of the South West Coastal Path (a national trail currently unsigned through 

the urban areas of Torbay) should be integrated into the landscape and urban design. The acorn 

symbol should be included on the signposts. 

102


■ 

■ 

■ 

Signs should be located on finger posts rather than on walls, guardrails or other elements of street 

furniture. However, if only a single finger is required, appropriate location on a nearby wall should be 

considered to avoid additional clutter. 

Simple, clear graphics should be used. 

Fingers should point in the direction of the destination. The post and background to the sign should 

be a dark colour to match the other elements of street furniture, with simple off-white lettering. 

Appendices 

■ 

In some locations, key arrival points, car park exits etc., it may be appropriate to introduce maps to 

give clearer information. These should always be orientated to relate to the position of the viewer and 

use simple, clear graphics. 

Rural Footpath Signpost - Lyme Regis 

Traffic Signs 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Road signs must be designed in accordance with Government Standards. 

Road signs should be kept to a minimum, and where possible co-ordinated with other items of street 

furniture (such as lamposts) to reduce clutter. Over-provision or repetition of signs is confusing and 

reduces their impact on drivers' perceptions. Unnecessary or duplicate signs should be removed. 

A review of signage has been carried out for Torbay, identifying primary routes and signage required to 

key destinations (Town Centres, Tourist attractions). The strategy should be implemented with the 

removal of unnecessary signage, the reduction of the size of signs wherever possible and the minimal 

use of brown tourist signs. 

Directional signs and traffic signals should be integrated where possible to avoid unnecessary clutter. 

The size of signs should always be reduced to the lawful minimum. Yellow backgrounds are visually 

intrusive and rarely essential. 

White on brown tourist signs are essentially advertisements and should be strictly controlled and kept 

to a minimum. Unauthorised advertising signs should be removed. 

Large traffic signs detract from the 

streetscape - Union Street, Torquay 

Multiple Signs produce clutter - Brixham 

103



Traffic Signals 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Traffic signals are essential, but their impact can be reduced by locating them on lamp columns or 

other posts to reduce clutter. 'Advance' signals should be avoided, and removed where possible, to 

reduce the clutter of posts. 

Traffic signal control boxes are often poorly sited and obtrusive. They attract flyposting and the antigraffiti 

paint used to prevent this is often worse than the posters themselves. They should be reduced 

to the minimum size possible and located at the back edge of the footway, or if possible underground 

or within adjacent buildings. Where a street location cannot be avoided, they should be placed at the 

back edge of the footway and painted a dark colour. 

Guardrails are usually associated with traffic signals and crossings. Wherever possible, these should be 

avoided. A simplified single-stage crossing is always preferable to a complicated and pedestrianunfriendly 

multi-stage crossing. This approach also reduces the number of traffic lights required. 

Simplify crossings to reduce the number of signals and other elements required. 

Traffic Signals on Lamp Column - 

Kensington High Street, London 

(Woodhouse) 

Street Nameplates 

Street nameplates make a significant contribution to local charm and character. Local variations in design, 

materials and lettering add richness to the street scene. 

Blue Tile Street Nameplate - Torquay 

■ 

■ 

A tradition of tiled blue and brown street name signs exists throughout Torquay and Paignton. If 

present, original signs should be retained. Wherever possible, and always within Conservation Areas 

and the town centres, this style of street nameplate should be used. 

Elsewhere simple functional signs, mounted on walls or buildings wherever possible, should be used. 

Avoid placing signs on new posts, which add to clutter. 

104


Free-Standing Advertising and Promotional Signs 

It is important that advertising and promotional signs are controlled so that they don't detract from the legibility 

of the street or increase the amount of clutter. Careful consideration must be given to the design and siting of 

these elements. A programme for removing unauthorised signs and advertising should be actioned. 

The Council's Arts and Theatres Division, as well as the Tourist Information Centre, have promotional signs 

located within the street. These give information of local events and activities to both residents and visitors 

and can contribute to local distinctiveness. Leisure and Amenities Services are currently preparing a policy that 

will guide the design and location of this type of signage within the streetscape. These signs will also need to 

be approved by Highways. 

Good Quality Sponsored Signage - 

Walthamstow (Woodhouse) 

Appendices 

In addition, commercial, on-street advertising has been identified as a way for the Council to raise revenue to 

provide facilities such as self-cleaning public toilets. This type of signage is likely to be for national and 

international products and services, and therefore the design and siting of these signs must be carefully 

controlled. 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Signs must be designed to form part of a family of street furniture that has been developed for the 

area. 

The promotional signs, particularly for Torbay events, must be of good quality to give a positive 

impression. Torbay Council are preparing a policy for this type of signage. 

It is recognised that advertising must be located in prominent locations to fulfil its purpose. In order 

for these promotional intentions to be balanced with the quality and design of the urban and street 

environment, the location of advertising must be carefully considered and, where required, negotiated. 

Carefully sited and attractively designed advertising features can be used as eye-catching elements 

within the street. 

Unauthorised signage can significantly 

detract from the streetscape - Union 

Street, Torquay… 

… as can dominant advertising boards - 

Torre 

105

Light Stacks, Regents Place, London - 

Woodhouse


A1.4 Lighting 

Street lighting is required primarily for safety and security of people, traffic and property. To meet these needs, 

appropriate lighting levels are determined for each area. Lighting should be provided to meet these needs and 

should be designed as an integral part of the streetscape, working closely with highway and lighting engineers. 

Creative lighting can create a safe and exciting night-time environment. Lighting of buildings, features and 

public art and trees can all add to the quality of the environment, and improve visibility and safety without the 

need for additional light-columns. 

Appendices 

Light pollution is increasing throughout the UK. Care must be taken to avoid increasing light-levels beyond the 

minimum needed for safety and amenity. Vertical cut-off lights should always be used and floodlighting should 

be designed to avoid projecting light into surrounding dark areas or the sky. 

■ 

■ 

■ 

As with all street furniture, light fittings can add to the streetscape and should be carefully chosen to 

reinforce local distinctiveness and character. Historic fittings should be retained where possible, and 

matching modern fittings selected. If appropriate, moulds can be made from historic elements to 

create a matching language of street furniture. 

Lighting should be designed and located to form part of the streetscape rather than drawing attention 

to itself and adding to clutter. The daytime appearance of the lighting elements is as important to the 

street scene as its lighting function. In some cases it may be appropriate for light features to be 

consciously used as a feature of the daytime streetscape. 

In Conservation Areas and the more historic parts of Torbay, heritage-style fittings may be appropriate. 

It is important that these fittings have authentic detailing and that they are appropriate to the scale of 

the lighting element. Good modern design is preferable to poorly detailed historic pastiche. 

High Quality Lamp Columns at Urbis, 

Manchester (Woodhouse) 

Nautical Light Fitting - West Bay, Dorset 

107



Appendices 

■ 

■ 

Height of lighting - there is a direct relationship between the height of light fittings and the number of 

lights required. In some cases it may be more appropriate to have higher and fewer lights to reduce 

clutter. Assessment of the particular situation is required to determine the most appropriate scale and 

style of light fitting. 

Light fittings can add to the streetscape but, in general, streetlights should be located on buildings or at 

the back edge of the pavement to minimise clutter. Where poles are required to support street 

lighting they should be located to complement building facades, and not detract from key buildings. 

Wooden Lamp Columns - Cockington 

■ 

■ 

In rural areas simple, functional light fittings are more appropriate than the more decorative fittings 

used in the urban environment. 

The colour of light produced by light fittings has an effect on the night-time environment. Generally, 

the white light produced by metal halide or high-pressure sodium light sources is preferable to the 

orange light produced by low-pressure sodium light sources. In the design of environmental 

improvement schemes the different colours of light available can be utilised to provide drama and 

interest. Modern bulbs are longer-lasting and use less power, so concerns regarding replacement times 

and maintenance costs that previously encouraged the use of sodium lights can now be addressed. 

Traditional Lights and Festoon Lighting- 

Princess Pier, Torquay 

A1.5 Public Art 

Art is now a common feature in the Public Realm. Good public art can reinforce local distinctiveness and add 

to the regeneration of the street. It can be quirky and fun, or serious and thought-provoking, but must in all 

cases be of high quality and have the potential to encourage civic pride. 

Each town centre should include unique elements to contribute to the richness, identity and distinctive 

character of the place. A public art strategy should identify the opportunities, locations and types of work to 

provide a framework for commissioning artists and seeking funding. This is supported by the Torbay Arts 

Review which comments that public art in open-air sites can: 

Wall Mounted Light Fitting - Poundbury 

108


■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Enhance people's enjoyment and understanding of a place 

Make a place more attractive to live in, work in or visit 

Increase local pride 

Sharpen a sense of identity and distinctiveness 

Help to discourage vandalism, particularly where the community has been involved 

Support local traditional crafts and the use of indigenous materials 

■ Support local Agenda 21 initiatives 8 

Appendices 

A broad view should be taken of public art. Public art is not restricted to visual artists (sculptors, painters) but 

can also involve craftspeople (stone masons, farriers) as well as media and performing artists. There may also 

be valuable opportunities to involve the community in design and fabrication. 

Artist-designed street furniture can add to the distinctiveness of the streetscape, as can mosaics, murals and 

sculptures. In many towns and cities artists have been involved in the design of specially commissioned pieces 

or elements as features within the street. Even if not employed to produce a particular piece of work, it is 

widely acknowledged that artists make a valuable contribution to a multi-disciplinary design process. 

Tree Sculpture - London 

Funding for art can be gained in several ways. The Arts Council promotes the use of a 1% for Art Policy, and 

the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation has a 5% public art levy on all development projects in their area. 

Opportunities for funding public art should be sought through Section 106 Agreements as part of the 

development control process for development projects relating to the town centre. 

The Council's Arts Development Officer should be involved in the design of public spaces and the 

commissioning of public art for public spaces. 

As recommended by the Arts Review, Torbay Council are considering joining the Public Art Consortium set up 

by other Devon councils. These councils have jointly commissioned a public art advisor to encourage and 

support the involvement of artists and craft-workers in contributing to the distinctiveness of specific places. 

8 Johnson, Diana for Torbay Council, An Arts Review - Towards an Art Strategy for Torbay, October 1998. 

Eric Morecambe Sculpture - Morecambe 

109



A1.6 Soft Landscape 

Appendices 

The Big Tree - Fisher Street, Paignton 

Soft landscape, and especially trees, play an important role in urban areas, and is crucial to the environmental 

quality and appearance of many areas. Within the town centres and residential areas, the careful use of 

planting can greatly improve the visual appearance of the environment. 

In Torbay, broad belts of trees, often on steep slopes or above rocky outcrops and cliffs, form the backdrop to 

many of our urban areas. Broad swathes of trees break up the mass of the residential area. Torbay also has 

over 6,000 street-trees, which significantly add to the character of many of the urban areas within Torbay. 

Tree and shrub planting may not always be appropriate. Formal Georgian or Victorian streets may not have 

had trees historically, and new planting is often inappropriate to the scale and character of some of these 

spaces. Where new tree planting occurs in these areas, the species used must be of an appropriate scale to 

accord with the character of the street. 

Planting should be used where it serves a purpose and makes a positive contribution to the streetscape. It 

should not be used to fill leftover spaces. This creates small isolated pockets that are usually poorly 

maintained, contribute to visual clutter and attract rubbish. 

Torbay's landscape is key to the image of the English Riviera. The mild climate allows a wide variety of plants 

to flourish, with the result that Torbay is one of the UK's three richest Local Authorities in terms of biological 

diversity. Torbay Palms (Cordyline australis), a native of New Zealand, are distinctive throughout the Bay. 

Torbay is also renowned for its floral displays, particularly along the seafront and in its public parks. These are 

popular with residents and visitors, and are a key part of the identity of the English Riviera. 

The use of exotic plants must be balanced with the use of ecologically valuable native species, particularly in 

areas away from the town centres and visitor hot-spots. 

110


Trees 

■ 

Trees can define a space or its function, give direction or identity, and provide separation or enclosure. 

They modify the climate by providing shade and cooling the air through transpiration. They also 

provide a foil to the predominately hard lines and surfaces of the urban environment, providing 

texture, movement and emphasising the seasons. 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Despite the large number of street trees within Torbay, significant street trees within the town centres 

are not widespread. They are located at Princess Gardens, the Strand, Castle Circus, Upton Park and 

Lymington Road in Torquay, Palace Avenue in Paignton. In other areas within the centres, trees are 

either absent or of limited size, as a result of limited space or environmental conditions (such as the 

windswept trees along Paignton Esplanade). Existing trees are an important asset and the area beneath 

a tree's canopy will contain many roots and must be protected. BS 5837 (1991) provides important 

guidance on this issue and must be followed. 

In other areas throughout Torbay avenues of street-trees are an important part of the streetscape and 

local character, and must be retained and replanted with appropriate species. 

Torbay Council has prepared and adopted its 'Tree and Woodland Strategy 2003 - 2008'. This strategy 

emphasises the importance of trees to Torbay's urban environment - and includes specific policies that 

discourage the removal of street-trees without overriding reasons (eg. tree is dead or dangerous). The 

strategy also advocates the planting of new street-trees where possible, particularly when trees have 

historically been present in a particular area. Torbay Council also produces supplementary guidance in 

relation to Trees and Development. 

Mature Plane Tree - Castle Circus, 

Torquay 

Floral Display (Torre Abbey Gardens) 

Torbay Palm (Cordyline Australis) 

111



Appendices 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Wherever possible trees should always be planted into the ground. Planting in containers or raised 

beds will limit the growth of trees and be a long-term maintenance issue. In High Streets, where 

damage to services can be a problem, lateral root barriers can be used to protect pipes and cables. 

Planting trees properly is an investment for the future. Planting pits should be of suitable size, be 

properly prepared and backfilled with high-quality soil. Modern soil-mixes such as 'Urban Tree Soil' or 

'Metrosand' can be used to allow for larger tree pits that can then form the base for paved areas. 

Semi-mature trees should always be used in urban areas. These have a significant scale giving instant 

impact, and reducing the likelihood of vandalism or inadvertent damage. It is essential that semimature 

trees are properly planted and maintained to ensure their healthy establishment. Where space 

is limited for planting it may be appropriate to use a smaller tree (heavy standard or extra heavy 

standard) with an appropriate tree-guard to protect the tree from damage). 

Tree-grilles, or the use of porous paving materials (such as 'Sureset'), are a good way of incorporating 

trees into the street without leaving open, muddy areas. 

Box headed Lime Trees - Priory Gardens, 

Coventry (Woodhouse) 

■ 

Feature lighting of trees should be considered in important town centre areas when new trees are 

planted. 

Shrubs, Bedding Plant Displays and Hanging Baskets 

■ 

■ 

Shrubs are important in the landscape, providing screening, interest and a foil to other activities. 

Species must be carefully chosen. Shrubs that will become tall and obscure views present a safety risk 

and should be avoided in town centres. 

Maintenance is crucial when shrubs are planted. Pruning, watering and feeding are required to ensure 

that the shrubs maintain their form and do not become leggy and diseased. Litter must be regularly 

cleaned from planted areas. If maintenance cannot be guaranteed, planting should be avoided. 

Tree Grille - Shore Road, Perth 

112


■ 

■ 

Bedding plants and hanging baskets make a major contribution to the Torbay streetscape, and are an 

important part of Torbay's image. 

Care must be taken in the use of bedding displays and hanging baskets to avoid clutter. The cost of 

maintaining and watering hanging baskets and other planted areas should be considered in the design 

process. Inappropriate additional street furniture to contain plant displays should be avoided. These 

are usually a maintenance problem, are prone to vandalism, and detract from the quality of the 

streetscape. 

Appendices 

■ 

■ 

Bedding displays are best used in a garden or parkland setting, or to emphasise a key location or area, 

rather than to fill in leftover areas. At present, bedding planting is often used on traffic islands - a 

comprehensive review of planting should be carried out to remove weak areas and concentrate time, 

money and resources on the key focal displays in the town centres and seafront parks 

Sponsors for displays want to be identified. Often, however, the signage associated with this 

dominates the display and ruins the effect. The design of sponsorship markers should be reviewed 

and their size reduced to be appropriate to the size of the display. The position of these signs must be 

carefully considered to avoid conflicts with traffic sight lines and creating increased clutter - agreement 

with highways is essential. 

Poor shrub area - Lymington Bus Station 

Good Bedding Display - Broadgate 

Grass and Cordylines - good quality 

Torbay planting 

113



A1.7 Management and Maintenance 

Appendices 

Chewing Gum Stains - Union Street, 

Torquay 

Recent Government guidance has established that management is vital in order to achieve a high quality 

streetscape. Chewing gum, rubbish and general grime detract from the streetscape. 

■ 

Clear lines of responsibility for the maintenance of the streetscape and its constituent parts (paving, 

street furniture, soft landscape) need to be established. The Town Teams are currently responsible for 

co-ordinating the majority of these issues. Co-ordination is required between street cleansing, rubbish 

collection, lighting, highway-maintenance and design and landscape-maintenance, works by third 

parties, signage and advertising and control of anti-social behaviour to improve the quality of Torbay's 

streets. A Streetscape Working Group should be set up to address these issues. 

Poor cleanliness to street furniture 

increases the perception of an untidy 

street - The Strand, Torquay 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Clear, measurable, standards should be set, with one person responsible for achieving required levels 

of cleanliness and repairs. The key, busy public spaces and streets should be the priority. Increasing 

the ownership of public spaces by local people can help to reduce maintenance requirements. 

The work of Utility companies must be properly controlled. Reinstatement of paving where service 

work has been conducted must match the original paving. Patching the surface with bitmac is 

unacceptable. 

Maintenance and Management considerations must be considered at the design stage of any new 

works. Cleaning, material and equipment life-spans, rubbish collection, the potential for damage from 

misuse (skateboards, vandalism etc.) and access are all considerations. An overall Streetscape 

Management Strategy is required. 

Poorly reinstated paving - Fleet Walk, 

Torquay 

114

Informal Seating - @ Bristol



Appendix Two: Specific Guidelines for Conservation Areas 

Appendices 

1. Warberries 

2. Lincombes 

3. St. Marychurch 

4. Babbacombe Downs 

5. Torquay Harbour 

6. Chelston 

7. Cockington 

8. Maidencombe 

9. Old Paignton 

10. Churston Ferrers 

11. Roundham and Paignton Harbour 

12. Brixham Town 

13. Higher Brixham 

14. Barton 

15. Cary Park 

16. Belgravia 

17. Watcombe Park 

18. Galmpton 

19. Torre 

20. Tormohun 

21. Upton 

22. Abbey Road 

23. Shorton 

24. Polsham 

For more detailed information on specific Conservation Areas see the relevant Conservation Area Appraisal. 

Copies are held by Conservation and Design Services, Roebuck House. 

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1. Warberries Conservation Area 

The Warberries result from a planned development of Warberry Hill in the estate of Sir Laurence Palk between about 1820 and 1880. 

Local grey limestone walls are an important enclosing element on the access roads, which generally run parallel to the hillside contours. The 

roads are linked by steep footpaths that run perpendicular to the contours, and often consist mainly of steps. These routes are often concealed 

and little used, but could potentially be one of the most attractive features of the conservation area if made part of a wider network and subject 

to improved maintenance, sign-posting and lighting. 

Appendices 

Early development in Wellswood Park, and later in Babbacombe Road and Old Torwood Road, created a strong townscape of terraced 

properties, that gives way to villas that are set back from the road, creating a more suburban feel. 

Existing items of street furniture, such as blue-tile street names and Victorian benches should be retained and repaired/reinstated where possible. 

Limestone kerbs and granite sett channels are characteristic and should be retained/extended. 

Early engravings show the villas on open hillsides, but the area now has dense tree cover, which gives the area the characteristic appearance of a 

wooded suburb. Many of these trees are now of a significant age and their future conservation and possible replacement needs to be 

addressed. Tree Preservation Orders cover significant parts of the Conservation Area. 

From the higher parts of the area there are dramatic outward views, which should be retained and enhanced. 

2. Lincombes Conservation Area 

The Lincombes result from a planned development of Lincombe Hill in the estate of Sir Laurence Palk between about 1820 and 1880. 

Local grey limestone walls are an important enclosing element on the access roads, which generally run parallel to the hillside contours. The 

roads are linked by steep footpaths that run perpendicular to the contours, and often consist mainly of steps. These routes are often concealed 

and little 

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used, but could potentially be one of the most attractive features of the conservation area if made part of a wider network and subject to 

improved maintenance, sign-posting and lighting. 

Appendices 

Existing items of street furniture, such as blue-tile street names and Victorian benches should be retained and repaired/reinstated where possible. 

Limestone kerbs and granite sett channels are characteristic and should be retained/extended. 

Lincombes Conservation Area has several public open spaces, including Torwood gardens, Daddyhole Plain and the private open spaces in front 

of Hesketh and Lisburne Crescents. 

A large number of mature trees create a park-like setting to the Conservation Area, and are an important element of the streetscape. Unlike the 

Warberries, there are a significant number of street-trees that make an important contribution to the character of the area. Tree Preservation 

Orders cover significant parts of the Conservation Area. 

3. St. Marychurch Conservation Area 

St Marychurch occupies a rounded plateau of Limestone above Babbacombe Bay. It is an ancient settlement that has been enveloped by the 

expanding suburbs of Torquay. Fore Street is a narrow, pedestrianised shopping street that retains many original shop frontages and its historic 

character, the adjacent two churches creating quiet enclaves with associated public and private green spaces. 

The residential areas surrounding Fore Street are a mix of open streets lined with 2-storey villas (predominately to the south), and contained 

streets of close-knit terraces originally built for local workers (to the north). The walls, gate piers and ironwork of property boundaries contribute 

significantly to the streetscape and should be retained and reinstated where possible. 

Historic use of local natural stone has given way to artificial materials in the pedestrianised areas and repaved streets. In future a co-ordinated 

scheme of stone flags and setts would be appropriate in the centre of St. Marychurch. 

Street lamps do not relate to the historic precedent for the area. These should be gradually reinstated in any future schemes. 

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Trees are an important feature in the churchyard, and in Fore Street. In the villa areas a park-like setting is created with numerous mature trees, 

predominately Holm Oak, contributing to the street scene. In Manor Road and St. Margaret's Road street-trees were planted, probably as part 

of the original layout to create a boulevard effect. 

Several individual trees or tree groups are an important part of the townscape. Notable examples include the Holm Oak at the junction of Park 

Road and Cambridge Road, trees fronting Fore Street near the Parish Church, and the avenue of trees at the northern end of St. Margaret's 

Road. Future conservation and potential replacement of these trees will need to be considered. 

Appendices 

4. Babbacombe Downs Conservation Area 

Babbacombe Downs Conservation Area covers the Downs themselves, and the cliff slopes to the north and slopes around Beach Road to the 

east. There are stunning views of Lyme Bay to the north and east. The Cliff Railway and Babbacombe Theatre are important structures that 

enclose the Conservation Area. 

The seafront development along the southern edge of the Downs is mainly domestic in scale, and is enclosed by low limestone walls and 

gardens. 

Babbacombe Downs retains a significant part of its late 19th Century layout, with an extensive network of cliff footpaths and steps. Several 

historic elements remain, including the quayside and pier, walkways, which include some historic surfaces, and items of street furniture. These 

items should be retained within any future works and used as the basis for the design of any new interventions. 

The cliff slopes are heavily wooded, predominately with Sycamore, but also specimens of Horse Chestnut, Lime, Beech and Oak. Photographs 

indicate that the slopes were historically cleared, but these woodlands now significantly contribute to the character of the Conservation Area. 

There are some important trees within the gardens of the properties on the edge of the conservation area, many of which are covered by Tree 

Preservation Orders. 

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5. Torquay Harbour Conservation Area 

Appendices 

Torquay Harbour is the key public space in Torbay. The Conservation Area includes the harbour, Princess Gardens and the surrounding network 

of streets. The harbour surroundings are where there is the clearest evidence of the rapid transition of Torquay from a fishing port to a 

fashionable resort between the late 18th and mid 19th Century. 

The conservation area contains a number of sharply contrasting elements: 

1. Harbour and Coast Fringe - this area includes the few remnants of the origins of Torquay as a fishing port in the narrow alleyways and 

rows of cottages just east of the harbour and the original harbour walls (listed). There are significant historic building frontages along 

Vaughan Parade, Victoria Parade, The Strand and Beacon Terrace. There are a variety of recreational areas, including Princess Gardens 

and Rock Walk, an early 20th Century planned park and gardens, including the ornate 1911 Pavilion. 

2. Fleet Street - the southern part of the shopping area, set within the valley carved out by Fleet Brook, has undergone several major 

transformations, the latest with the development of the Fleet Walk Shopping Centre and Winter Garden in the late 1980s. 

3. Montpellier Road/Braddons Hill - immediately north of Fleet Street and the Harbour, but set apart by topography and access, these 

quieter residential streets contrast with the hustle and bustle of the town centre. Although at a much higher level, many of the buildings 

in this area have a visual presence on the harbour. 

4. Vane Hill - This predominately residential area has extensive outward views and has suffered most from development in the 1960s - 

overshadowing the harbour. Shirley Towers, the three brick-faced tower blocks, which in many views read as a single entity, are 

particularly intrusive. Other parts of this area retain the character of the 19th Century suburb, linked to the harbour by steep footpaths. 

5. Torwood - set within a shallow valley, a number of large buildings dominate this part of the conservation area, including three churches 

(two in alternative use). Torwood Gardens provides an open green space close to the harbour. The Clock Tower is a significant 

landmark when approaching the harbour from Torwood. 

The composition of steep, rocky outcrops, mature trees and terraces forms an important backdrop to activities occurring on the harbour and is a 

key part of the image of the English Riviera. Future works within the Conservation Area must retain and enhance this character. 

The steep topography surrounding the harbour has enforced the creation of streets that follow the contours, linked by long flights of steps with 

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railings. Many paths are enclosed by walls of limestone rubble, and from higher parts of the conservation area there are distant views out to 

sea and across the Torwood and Fleet valleys. The topography and unique 19th Century townscape that has resulted are key components of the 

character of the Conservation Area. At present, a combination of gap sites, poor lighting, signage and street furniture, and run-down pedestrian 

areas detract from the quality of the Harbour. 

This majority of this area was considered in detail in the Torquay Harbour Public Realm Strategy 2002, which contains specific detailed 

proposals for the Harbour and its surrounding streets. Recent development at Beacon Quay, and a new bridge linking Fish Quay and South Pier 

have begun the process of regeneration of this area. It is important that the redevelopment of the Harbour's public realm respects the historic 

character of the Conservation Area, and enhances the significant historic elements that remain around the harbour itself. 

Appendices 

A recent bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for Townscape Heritage Initiative funding will help to secure significant townscape improvements as a 

result of reinstatement and repair works to the buildings overlooking the harbour. This will be combined with improvements to the public realm 

throughout the harbour area to improve the quality of the townscape. 

6. Chelston Conservation Area 

Chelston Conservation Area is located in a gentle east-facing hollow, extending from Huxtable Hill to the west to the Grand Hotel on Torbay 

Road. Chelston is predominately a secluded garden suburb of the late 19th/early 20th Century, with many mature trees and generally away 

from busy traffic routes. The western boundary of the conservation area is close to the Cockington valley, a protected landscape that includes 

much of the Cockington Estate. From the more elevated parts of the area, there are extensive views across the rooftops to Torquay and the 

coastline. 

The buildings are a mix of detached and semi-detached buildings in Italianate stucco and neo-Gothic stone and brick. The informal street 

layout with generous provision of open space, extensive walls and linking paths creates a parkland setting for many of the buildings. Only in the 

shopping area in Walnut Road is there a significant sense of enclosure, where buildings dominate rather than landscape elements. Torquay 

Station is a key location in the eastern part of the Conservation Area. 

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The footpath network is an important part of the character of the Conservation Area, linking streets and open spaces with a traffic-free 

pedestrian network. 

Appendices 

Some indigenous field and hedgerow trees remain from the earlier undeveloped landscape, supplemented with a wide variety of exotic trees 

and shrubs reflected the Victorian obsession with collecting plants. A large number of street-trees remain, many of which are Planes and are 

likely to have been planted as part of the original layout. Tree Preservation Orders cover significant parts of the Conservation Area. There are 

further avenues of trees associated with the footpath links. An important aspect of the management of the streetscape will be the long-term 

retention and replacement of the existing mature trees. 

Many of the local stone boundary walls are in poor condition - and need to be repaired using appropriate materials and techniques. 

7. Cockington Conservation Area 

Cockington Conservation Area is located in an isolated valley sandwiched between Chelston and Livermead, but retaining its rural character as a 

result of the surrounding topography. Only a number of modern houses on Seaway Road, to the north, break the ridgeline and impact upon the 

character of the valley. The Conservation Area contains some 290 acres of parkland that surrounds Cockington Court and the Parish Church. 

Cockington is thought to have Saxon origins, and was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as 'Cochintone'. The 13th Century church, built 

in local red sandstone, has Norman foundations and is attractively sited on a small prominence immediately to the south of Cockington Court. 

The present village is tranquil, despite being something of a honeypot attraction for tourists, consisting of a number of randomly positioned 

thatched buildings with 'rustic' features. Within the village, the key buildings are the ancient forge, former schoolhouse and Drum Inn (designed 

by Sir Edwin Lutyens). The park and village were remodelled in the early to mid 19th Century - resulting in much of the present layout. Access 

to and from the village is along well-wooded lanes, emphasising the relative isolation of the village and reinforcing the Conservation Area's rural 

character. 

The landscape setting of the Conservation Area is significant, with large areas of woodland and significant hedgerows. Around the Court there is 

a mature parkland which contains a number of significant specimen trees. There are also a number of publicly accessible garden areas, including 

a walled rose-garden, organic garden and recently implemented therapeutic garden. Within the village, the overall impression is of a very close 

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visual relationship between the mature trees and the existing buildings. The drive to the Church and Court is along a tree-lined avenue, which 

terminates to the front of the Court. 

The 'streetscape' consists of rural elements, without kerbs and limited road demarcation. The distinctive street lamps and retained traditionalstyle 

(Gilbert Scott) public telephone box contribute significantly to the character of the village. 

Interventions into the area should retain the rural character of the village and court. Signage and furniture should be kept to a minimum, and 

surfaces should be of suitable materials. Some areas of existing cobbles remain, notably at Cockington Forge, whilst brick paving was used by 

Lutyens in the area of the Drum Inn. At the court there are good examples of stone walls, stone paving and steps - including a rectangular 

walled garden and courtyard. 

Appendices 

Much of the village and estate is managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, who should be consulted with regard to any works in this 

area. 

8. Maidencombe Conservation Area 

Maidencombe is situated about 5km north of Torquay town centre. The Conservation Area consists of two separate areas, a scattering of 19th 

Century villas close to the Teignmouth Road, and the original hamlet, which is grouped in a sheltered valley below the later villas, and offers 

access to the nearby beach. 

The village has its origins as a medieval manor, and the main cluster of current buildings dates from the 18th to early 19th Centuries. The Court 

House may have parts that date back to the 14th Century, and the ancient Judas Tree near the entrance is thought to have been brought back 

from the Lebanon as a sapling in the mid 16th Century. The loose-knit informal grouping of buildings, with generally low stone walls, banks and 

hedgerows, gives the feeling of a traditional Devon village, which is now largely surrounded by protected farmland. The recent addition of a 

small public car park and heavy use by summer visitors, has not detracted from this rural character. 

The landscape setting of the village is vital to its character. The complex network of steep lanes and tracks, with banks, walls, hedgerow field 

boundaries, tree-covered hollows and stretches of woodland (much of which originates from 19th Century landscaping) creates an enclosed 

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network of spaces, which opens up to give views of the village and to the sea. There are several good specimen trees, many of which, with 

much of the woodland areas, are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. 

Appendices 

The area is an important wildlife refuge, notably for the nationally scarce Cirl Bunting. Any works within the area should protect and enhance 

the natural habitats in the area. 

The steep topography and narrow lanes have limited the intrusion of vehicles into the area, helping to retain its quiet and isolated character. 

Future works must ensure that this character is retained - and the presence of vehicles is not increased. Street lamps reflect the historic 

character of the village, and are mounted on oak columns - any additional street furniture should be based on this design. 

9. Old Paignton Conservation Area 

Old Paignton Conservation Area comprises the historic core of Paignton, the focus of which is Winner Street, Church Street and Palace Avenue, 

but which extends to include Victoria Street to the east and the length of Fisher Street to the south. Originally a medieval settlement, Paignton 

developed around the summer residence of the Bishop of Exeter, of which only the Coverdale Tower and two lengths of wall remain (to the 

south of the Parish Church). In the 18th Century the town had approximately 2,000 inhabitants and was surrounded by large areas of orchard 

(yielding cider apples). Winner Street was the main thoroughfare, the land to the east (with the exception of Roundham) being marshy until its 

reclamation at the start of the 19th Century. 

The Conservation Area has four separate areas of contrasting character: 

1. The Early Settlement - This area contains the earliest origins of the settlement. The street pattern, including Winner Street, Church 

Street and the area to Kirkham Street, is of medieval origin. Winner Street is thought to be a derivation from 'Wynerde' (vineyard) 

indicating that this was a former wine-growing area, probably associated with the Bishop's Palace. 

2. Late 19th Century Town Centre - The heart of the town was laid out by G. S. Bridgman, consisting of late Victorian terraces, which now 

form the heart of Paignton's shopping area. 

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3. Late 19th Century/early 20th Century suburbs - This area, mainly to the south of the town centre, consisting of detached or semidetached 

villas and several short terraces. These are now quiet streets with gardens containing mature trees and shrubs, often bounded 

by local stone walls topped with hedgerows. 

4. Fisher Street area - As in Winner Street, there is some evidence of pre-19th century development, probably centred on a small former 

fishing community. A scattering of thatch and cob cottages remain - providing a hint of how the early community would have 

appeared. 

Appendices 

There is significant contrast between the relatively informal pattern of development up to the mid-19th Century, and the more formal layout of 

the Victorian town centre. In the early settlement, abrupt changes of level and random building groupings are in complete contrast to the 

planned layout and more regular elevations within the late 19th Century development. Whilst most streets are relatively straight and buildings 

formally arranged, exceptions such as Totnes Road follow an earlier curving route with informally grouped villas and trees evident. 

The character of the streets is key to the area - there are few trees and substantial green spaces, apart from the Churchyard, Palace Avenue 

Gardens and the remains of the Bishop's Palace. The churchyard contains some fine specimen trees, which form an important visual feature in 

Church Street. The Church Tower is an important focal point from elsewhere within the Conservation Area. The red sandstone walls form 

important part boundaries throughout the area, often with mature trees and vegetation beyond. The recent pedestrianisation scheme for 

Victoria Street has significantly improved the character of this part of the Conservation Area. 

Loss of traditional shop-fronts throughout the town centre, including Winner Street and Church Street, has resulted in a gradual degradation of 

the character of the streetscape. Heavy traffic flows on a number of the town centre streets, most notably Winner Street and at the convergence 

of Dartmouth, Totnes and Torquay Roads. 

The Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme for Winner Street and Church Street has secured enhancement of many of the frontages along 

these streets, and needs to be matched by a similar enhancement of the streetscape. The implementation of the Paignton Central Area 

Transport Strategy will be crucial to the enhancement of the character of the Conservation Area. Careful consideration of the streetscape, 

including suitable materials and street furniture should be a central part of the implementation of the Strategy. 

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10. Churston Ferrers Conservation Area 

Appendices 

Churston Ferrers is a spacious former estate village on a gently undulating site, located approximately 2km west of Brixham in a relatively rural 

and isolated location. The Conservation Area includes Churston Ferrers village, to the north of the A3022, and the hamlet of Alston to the 

south, which consists of several farms and outbuildings. 

The village has its origins in Saxon times (and there is evidence of earlier Bronze Age settlements), and a church existed here since this period. 

The Conservation Area can be divided into three distinct areas: 

Each area has a different character - Churston Court (now a hotel), its outbuildings and the Church form a compact arrangement of stone and 

slate buildings, grouped around the dominant Church Tower. The area is largely separated from the rest of the Conservation Area by mid-19th 

Century railway embankments. Modern additions such as car parking, tennis courts, etc. have been added to the landscape. Further additions 

will need to be carefully considered so as not to detract from the area. 

The village has a predominately linear form, with 19th Century cottages following the line of Churston Road in a typically medieval pattern. The 

majority of the existing buildings to the north-west of Churston Road were constructed in the second half of the 19th Century, at which time the 

cottages on the opposite side of the street were demolished. These have subsequently been replaced by two post-1950 housing estates. 

Churston Road is spacious in layout, but more intimate in the scale of the buildings. Stone rubble walls form the edge of the street, often 

without any footway, and there are significant mature trees and hedgerows which help to provide a strong sense of enclosure. Views of the 

surrounding farmland reinforce the rural character of the village. 

Finally, Alston is a group of cottages and farms, with Lupton House, to the south of the main road. The gardens around Lupton House are 

recorded listed as Grade II* in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. 

Churston Ferrers is one of the few villages within Torbay that retains much of its inherent rural character, despite its proximity to Paignton and 

Brixham. Treatment of the streetscape should reflect the rural character of the Conservation Area, with minimal use of signage and use of 

appropriate natural materials and informal details. Introduction of man-made materials and excessive street furniture should be avoided. 

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11. Roundham and Paignton Harbour Conservation Area 

Paignton Harbour is located on the north side of Roundham Head. The Harbour was enlarged by Act of Parliament in 1838, and by the 1860s it 

was surrounded by a scattering of development, including the New Pier Inn and a small number of cottages. In the early part of the 20th 

Century, the area to the south and west of the harbour was transformed into the spacious suburb of Roundham by the laying out of detached 

and semi-detached villas, and some modest terraces on the slopes of Roundham Head. 

Appendices 

The harbour retains the character of a working environment. The stone surfaces and traditional details, combined with its relatively enclosed 

position, reinforce this character. Modern handrails and barriers in the Torbay tourism colours look out of place and should be replaced with 

more appropriate elements. The area around the harbour consists of tightly-knit terraced cottages, which give way to informally arranged villas 

in large gardens. These are laid out to take advantage of the topography and extensive sea views that are important to the character of the 

Conservation Area. 

There is an area of public open space on the eastern side of Roundham Head which, seen in the context of the privately-owned Roundham 

Gardens, provides a significant green edge to the Conservation Area. Cliff Gardens, to the south, is not included within the Conservation Area, 

but is an important part of the landscape setting. There are a wide variety of tree species, with Lime and Scots Pine dominating. These are 

almost entirely within gardens and many are covered by Tree Preservation Orders. 

Local red sandstone is used throughout the area as boundary and retaining walls, with limited use of harder wearing Torquay limestone. The 

limestone is commonly used in kerbs and gullies, and clearly dates from the original 19th Century layout of roads and paths. These materials 

should be retained, and where they have been lost, replaced with matching stone. Some dwellings have red brick boundaries, which have been 

supplemented with yellow Newton Abbot brick details. Modern utilitarian signage and lighting has detracted from the character of the area, 

particularly the harbour, and this should be addressed in future streetscape works. 

12. Brixham Town Conservation Area 

Brixham is built on the northern and southern sides of a valley cut into the limestone outcrop that forms Berry Head. From medieval times the 

town has had two main parts - Higher and Lower Brixham or, more correctly, Churchtown and Quay. Higher Brixham is a separate Conservation 

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Appendices 

Area. The town is characterised by 19th Century terraced houses that cluster up the valley sides and enclose the harbour. The fishing industry is 

of key importance to Brixham - and as well as a modern marina, the harbour retains its working fishing port. There is a strong sense of history 

and local identity within Brixham, mainly associated with the fishing industry, and the town has a unique character that distinguishes it from both 

Paignton and Torquay. This character must be retained and enhanced by any future development streetscape works. 

The inner harbour is split into two basins, with the original piers dating from the beginning of the 19th Century, and the 900m long outer 

breakwater completed in 1916. 

The area contains seven distinct character areas: 

1. Harbour/King Street Area - This area contains the historic waterfront and harbour installations, including some of the best late 18th 

Century and early 19th Century buildings including the former fish market house (1799) and early warehouses. The walls and quays of 

the Inner Harbour are all listed, and an important part of the character of the harbour. All are predominately constructed from squared 

Devonian limestone with a coping of large slabs (sometimes hidden below a concrete coating). Some of the late 19th Century copings 

are of granite, as are the steps to the water. The south-eastern side of the harbour is flanked by a massive retaining wall of red 

sandstone and local limestone. The area also includes pedestrian routes such as Overgang and Temperance Steps, which climb steeply 

away from the waterfront. As noted in section 5.9 above, a cohesive treatment for the harbour area is required to raise the standard of 

the streetscape in this part of the town. 

2. Town Centre/New Road - Fore Street and Middle Street are the main commercial streets, whilst New Road is the major approach to the 

town centre with a significant group of public buildings close to the junction of Market Street and Bolton Street. The multi-storey car 

park (and Town Square) is a poor area that does not contribute to the character of the conservation area and is identified for potential 

redevelopment in the local plan. Development in this area should address the surrounding streets and create links into adjacent areas. 

3. Furzeham - A mainly 19th Century part of the town, on the steep slopes to the north-west of the harbour. The streets mainly follow the 

contours and are linked by steep steps. 

4. Bolton Street area - Bolton Street is another important approach to the town centre, along a narrow valley with good 19th Century and 

earlier buildings set above the highway and enclosed by railings. The street is an important shopping street and would benefit from 

improved surfacing materials and lighting. 

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5. Ranscombe Road - A small spur of early-mid 19th Century housing development, now largely surrounded by later 20th Century 

housing. 

6. Berry Head Road area - The coastal fringe extending eastwards from the harbour and including the outer breakwater and quarry from 

which much of the stone came. This part of the conservation area contains some late 19th/early 20th Century houses and villas, 

including a group of coastguard cottages - views of the sea are gained from the higher roads, and access to the coast can be gained in 

several places. 

7. Battery Gardens - A section of part open/part wooded coastline, formerly including Furzeham Common, extending towards a headland 

overlooking Churston Cove. The main building group is the late 20th Century Astra Zeneca laboratories at the foot of the cliff. This 

area is significant for its important 1939-45 war observation-point and battery site, and offers a good view out to sea. 

Appendices 

Development is heavily concentrated within the valley, with mature trees restricted to the valley slopes inland from the harbour, and at Berry 

Head and Battery Gardens. There are a number of mature evergreen trees (notably Mediterranean Pine and Holm Oak) that provide important 

landmarks. 

The topography and historic pattern of development within Brixham means that the core area of the Conservation Area is overlooked by the 

terraces and villas on the surrounding hillsides. This is similar to Torquay Harbour, but to a much greater extent as a result of the more enclosed 

landform and predominance of terraced buildings. This means that development in these areas is likely to have a visual impact on the core 

harbour area. Development, including streetscape works, throughout the Conservation Area should therefore consider the potential effects on 

adjacent areas that may be out with the remit of the immediate works. 

The late 20th Century trend towards larger and blander shopfronts is commonplace and has contributed to the general degradation of the 

townscape. Equally, the purpose-built 20th Century commercial developments in the centre of the Conservation Area are often in stark contrast 

to the historic townscape which is maintained along Fore Street and the eastern part of Middle Street. Future development should aim to retain 

and enhance the historic character of the Conservation Area. 

Similarly, paved surfaces, street furniture and signage should all be designed to encourage pedestrian movement and reinforce the character of the 

Conservation Area. This particularly applies in the Harbour and main shopping areas, but should also be extended into the surrounding parts of the 

Conservation Area. Natural materials and appropriate furniture should predominate, although the clever use of brick paving along Fore Street 

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Appendices 

has retained the historic character and linear form of the street by emphasising the carriageway line and placing furniture parallel to the street 

line. Historic elements that remain within the street (original paved areas, furniture, walls and vertical elements) should be retained in any future 

schemes and used as an indicator of the appropriate design for modern additions. 

13. Higher Brixham Conservation Area 

Higher Brixham is the earlier of the two settlements that make up present-day Brixham. Historically known as Churchtown, Higher Brixham was 

an agricultural community that developed in a linear form slightly above a small valley running north-eastwards towards the harbour area. 

The Conservation Area follows the linear form of the historic street, and can be divided into three character areas: 

1. Upper Milton Street - this part of the Conservation Area has a village street atmosphere, descending a gentle slope and somewhat 

removed from the main village centre. 

2. Main Village - This area contains the majority of the original village where the lower part of Milton Street, Drew Street and Horsepool 

Street converge at a T-junction and small square. The tower of the 15th Century Parish Church is a dominant feature in this part of the 


3. Burton Street/Knick Knack Lane/Rea Barn Road area - an area where a scattering of earlier cottages and villas up to the mid 19th 

Century have been mainly infilled by later 19th Century terraces expanding outwards from the town centre some 500m to the north. 

The historic pattern of development is clearly seen in the townscape of Higher Brixham, which is a key aspect of the area's value as a 

Conservation Area. The earliest settlement is characterised by a highly varied street scene with a strong sense of enclosure due to the narrow 

street width, curving alignment and buildings fronting directly onto the pavement or set behind stone or rendered boundary walls. These 

historic characteristics and street layout should be retained and enhanced in any streetscape works. 

Milton Road and Drew Street are subject to high numbers of vehicle movements, which can cause congestion, particularly within the core of the 

Conservation Area. Combined with some areas of relatively narrow pavement, this can create an unpleasant pedestrian environment that will 

need to be addressed in future streetscape proposals. 

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A number of significant trees, mainly in private gardens and the churchyard, contribute to the street scene. At present, the majority of these are 

not protected by Tree Preservation Orders. 

Materials, furniture and signage should be designed to reflect the historic characteristics of the area and, in particular, its historic development as 

a village centre. Interpretation of the heritage value of the area should be integrated into any streetscape works. 

14. Barton Conservation Area 

Appendices 

Barton, one of the newer suburbs of Torquay, was little more than a hamlet - surrounded by small fields and orchards, and close to local centres 

of quarrying and lime kilns - until the middle of the 20th Century, when it was subsumed by the expanding residential area of Torquay. 

The Conservation Area is divided into two parts, one centred on Church Road, the other along the western end of Fore Street. The more recent 

development surrounding the conservation area does not wholly detract from the rural feel of this part of Barton, which is enhanced by a 

combination of some surviving meadow in Church Street and steep wooded slopes either side of Fore Street. The sections of the Conservation 

Area can be divided into three character areas: 

1. Church Road - This area contains several cottage groups dating from the 18th Century, within an open setting of several tree groups. 

2. Manor Farm and Western part of Fore Street - includes the 16th Century Manor Farm, and mid-late 19th Century terrace, with a 

mixture of limestone walls, banks and hedges. 

3. Eastern part of Fore Street, including part of Starpitten Lane and Clennon Lane - This part of the conservation area has the main 

concentration of houses and cottages dating from the 18th Century to mid 20th Century, within a narrow enclosed valley with wooded 

slopes above. 

Limestone rubble walls area a common feature throughout the Conservation Area, and combined with the banks and hedges contribute greatly 

to the rural character of this part of Barton, helping to separate the historic area from more recent surrounding development. 

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Appendices 

There is significant tree cover throughout the Conservation Area, often with a strong relationship between trees and buildings. Along some 

sections of Fore Street and Church Road vegetation tends to be more visually dominant than buildings, and the interaction between frontage 

details and vegetation (including hedges) is important. 

The streetscape is generally a simple treatment of tarmac and concrete surfaces, although there are some limestone kerbs that should be 

retained. Some historic streetscape elements remain, including lamp standards and vent pipes. Future works within the Conservation Area 

should seek to improve the quality of the surface materials, reinstating historic materials where possible, and retain and reinstate historic street 

furniture. The relationship between the existing walls, banks, hedges and the street needs to be maintained and enhanced - through suitable 

maintenance and the use of complementary materials. 

15. Cary Park Conservation Area 

Cary Park is approximately 2km north of Torquay town centre, located adjacent to St. Marychurch Conservation area and close to Babbacombe 

Downs. The Conservation Area consists of a late 19th Century street layout surrounding a public park laid out in the 1890s. Cary Avenue and 

Cary Park were laid out in alignment with an earlier group of trees to provide landscaped vistas to the main landmark, which is the Parish 

Church. In contrast with much of Torquay, the area is relatively flat, with vistas defined by the streetscape. 

Prior to 1880, the only buildings in the Conservation Area were All Saints Church and three stuccoed buildings immediately to the south. An 

avenue of trees, part of which still survives, extended from Manor Road, St. Marychurch in alignment with the Parish Church. The spine of the 

Conservation Area now consists of three separate areas of public open space linked by Cary Avenue, on land owned by the Cary family. Cary 

Park was gifted to the public in 1897. The Conservation Area is a well laid out example of late Victorian town-planning in a spaciously designed 

landscape setting. 

A key feature of the Conservation Area is the local grey limestone rubble that is used for many of the boundary walls, often with brick and red 

sandstone piers. Some sections of boundary wall have been lowered, broken back or removed completely to allow vehicular access. 

The relationship between the formal layout of streets, the public open spaces and private gardens, and the extensive cover of trees and shrubs is 

an important aspect of the character of Cary Park. The formal avenue and park layout contrasts with the informal arrangement of the villas. In 

contrast with much of Torquay, the majority of the trees are deciduous with numerous specimen trees including Horse Chestnut, Lime and Beech. 

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Many of these trees are now of a significant age and their future conservation and possible replacement needs to be addressed. Any trees 

removed should be replaced, and the long-term integrity of the avenues and park layout enhanced by supplementary planting. 

The network of off-street pedestrian routes is important for pedestrian movement around the area. The treatment of these routes should reflect 

their historic importance to the area. 

A number of important original items of street furniture remain within the Conservation Area and should be kept within any future improvement 

schemes to reinforce local character. 

Appendices 

16. Belgravia Conservation Area 

Belgravia Conservation Area is situated close to the south and west of Torquay town centre, although the local topography creates the impression 

that this is a separate enclave from the surrounding higher ground. In the western part of the Conservation Area is the town's earliest group of 

buildings and premier historic site at Torre Abbey, whilst, to the east, Waldon Hill is dominated by hotels and flats above its tree-covered rockfaced 

slopes, which overlook the Promenade and Princess Pier. 

Much of the character of the Conservation Area is drawn from the mid-late 19th Century development that took place in this part of Torquay 

when its status as a fashionable watering-place was at its height. This is reflected in the size and lavish ornament of many of the original villas. 

The Conservation Area consists of three distinct sub-areas, each with its own character: 

1. Torre Abbey and Surroundings: Torre Abbey and the neighbouring Tithe Barn are both Grade I listed buildings, and the whole complex 

a Scheduled Ancient Monument, making up a major archaeological site of almost 9 hectares set within the remains of once extensive 

Parkland. This area forms a noteworthy historic enclave that retains a sense of seclusion. The Abbey is a major tourist attraction. The 

integrity of the Abbey's parkland setting has been affected by the provision of a pitch-and-putt golf course and other tourist facilities. 

Future use of this area needs to be carefully considered as part of an overall masterplan. 

2. Belgrave Road area: Four streets between Torre Abbey and Waldon Hill, Belgrave Road, Croft Road, Scarborough Road and Chestnut 

Avenue, were laid out between the 1850s and 1870s on what was originally the landscape setting for Torre Abbey. This part of the 

Conservation Area contains Torquay's greatest concentration of hotel accommodation. As a result there is extensive pressure on the 

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Appendices 

streetscape to accommodate additional signage, lighting and parking. The large, modern Riviera Centre provides leisure and conference 

facilities to the west of Torre Abbey, with associated parking. The extensive landscape surrounding the Centre helps to integrate it into 

the surrounding urban setting. 

3. St. Lukes and Waldon Hill area: Several roads, following the contours, were laid out on Waldon Hill in the middle of the 19th Century. 

The land released was subsequently developed as villas that made use of the views of the Bay to the south. The area is now a mix of 

small to medium sized hotels, retirement homes and a scattering of remaining 19th Century villas. On the crown of the hill a number of 

blocks of flats tend to dominate the skyline. 

The predominant material throughout the Conservation Area is white or colour-washed stucco. Random coursed limestone rubble is widely 

used in boundary walls, with some use of local red sandstone. Dressed limestone is used to form gate piers, and (with other imported stone) as 

dressings to building elevations. 

Trees are a very important element of the Conservation Area. A fragment of the historic landscape survives, albeit with more modern 

interventions, around and to the south of Torre Abbey. Some fine, mainly deciduous, mature specimen trees create a pleasant landscape setting 

to the Abbey, particularly to the northeast of the Abbey and either side of the King's Drive. Ongoing maintenance and a long-term replacement 

plan are required to ensure the long-term retention of the character of this area. 

Much of Abbey Park, to the east of the Abbey, has been laid out as formal gardens and leisure facilities with a number of mature trees and 

significant ornamental landscaping. The other major landscape feature is Rock Walk, on the southern flank of Waldon Hill. This is thought to 

date from the 18th Century, and consists of a large number of mature specimen and naturalised trees, with a network of paths and steps. Rock 

Walk is part of the Princess Gardens Listed Park and Garden. A Conservation Plan needs to be established for this area. 

The many street-trees contribute significantly to the character of the Conservation Area. These are almost all deciduous, and predominately 

Horse Chestnut or Lime. Many of these trees are now over-mature, and a clear management and replacement programme needs to be 

established. 

17. Watcombe Park Conservation Area 

Watcombe Park Conservation Area is situated approximately 4km north of Torquay town centre and straddles the Teignmouth Road. The northern 

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part of the Conservation Area rises to a height of approximately 150m, and the wooded slopes are an important topographic and landscape 

feature forming the northern boundary of the urban area of Torquay. Watcombe Park itself is included in the register of Historic Parks and 

Gardens (Grade II), and to a considerable extent coincides with the boundary of the Conservation Area. 

The house and grounds were originally intended to be a retirement home for Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who appointed Alexander Forsyth to 

design the grounds, including realignment of the Teignmouth Road and massive earthworks. He died before the house was started, and the 

present stone house was built for J. R. Crompton. 

Appendices 

The landscape is the key feature of the Conservation Area, which can be divided into three character areas: 

1. Brunel Manor and the Historic Park and Garden: this area is the main focus of the Conservation Area and comprises Brunel Manor and 

its terraced gardens, the public park - now known as Brunel Woods, and the original stable yard to the main house. 

2. The Villas and associated development: two small groups of informally arranged detached villas, built in the mid 19th Century, are 

located in the south-east of the Conservation Area. Watcombe Cottage, originally a chapel for Brunel's estate workers, is also in this 

area. 

3. Later Development: the majority of the development in this part of the Conservation Area is from the latter half of the 20th Century, 

and is only included because of its important landscape setting and surviving landscape features. 

The key features of the Conservation Area are the significant trees and landscape details. 

The relatively steep topography, with the curving Teignmouth Road, creates a sense of isolation between the separate parts. From the more 

elevated parts of the Conservation Area there are dramatic outward views, especially to the south. 

Brunel Woods form the focal point of the main landscape features of the Conservation Area, with approximately 50% tree cover, and were 

planted as an arboretum that included many species of introduced conifer. The landscape was originally conceived as a themed park. 

Subsequent neglect has hidden much of the original landscape design, and a number of trees were lost in the storms of the 1990s. 

Throughout the rest of the Conservation Area mature trees act as a backdrop to buildings, including more recent development. It is important 

that these trees are retained and enhanced as part of future street works. Ongoing maintenance and a long-term replacement plan are required 

to ensure the long-term retention of the character of this area. 

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A number of boundary walls using local grey limestone and red sandstone are an important feature of the streetscape and should be retained in 

streetscape works. 

Appendices 

18. Galmpton Conservation Area 

Galmpton is a small rural settlement situated approximately 1km west of the A3022, approximately 5km from each town. The earlier part of the 

settlement lies within the narrow valley leading to Galmpton Creek, to the west of the current centre of Galmpton, and is bordered by the 

AONB and AGLV. 

The original settlement consists of cottages and farm buildings from the 18th Century. In the 1860s the village was remodelled by its manorial 

overlord, Richard Harvey, who altered the road layout and cleared many of the earlier buildings. Many of the buildings are therefore from the 

late 19th Century, with extensive mid-20th development within the eastern part of the Conservation Area. The informal arrangement of 

buildings and streets is important to the character of the village, which retains its rural estate village atmosphere, with glimpsed views of trees 

and countryside beyond. 

To the south and west of the built-up area, a considerable tract of associated rural landscape is included within the conservation area. This is 

mainly within the enclosed valley setting and is very closely linked to the built environment. 

The majority of the 19th Century and earlier cottages, farm buildings and boundary walls are constructed of shaley grey limestone to red-brown 

sandstone. Dressings are mainly of red brick, with red sandstone occasionally used. Some boundary walls use little mortar and are effectively 

dry stone walls with a characteristic coping of slabs with vertically arranged bedding planes. 

There are a number of important elements of street furniture, including a K6 style telephone kiosk, drinking trough and milestone that should be 

retained within any future streetscape improvements. A number of important vernacular details also survive (notably in boundary walls, stone 

cobbled or paved surfaces, iron gates and gate piers and steps and railings). These details should be incorporated into future streetscape 

improvements. 

Mature trees are an important part of the setting of Galmpton. Of particular note are two prominent Lucombe Oak trees at the junction of 

Greenway Road and Stoke Gabriel Road, and to the south of the Primary School. The rural part of the Conservation Area is characterised by 

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predominately deciduous hedges, interspersed with small areas of woodland coppice. Modern coniferous planting threatens the character of the 

Conservation Area. The mature trees, hedegrows, banks, walls, scrub and woodland, and orchard remnants are important elements of the 

streetscene. 

19. Torre Conservation Area 

Torre Conservation Area is approximately 1km west of Torquay town centre, located between Belgravia, Tormohun and Chelston Conservation 

Areas. The Conservation Area lies in a broad valley immediately north of Torre Abbey, and predominately consists of a rapidly developed 

suburb of detached and semi-detached mid-19th Century villas, with some two and three storey terraces. The area is bounded by the dominant 

landscape feature of St. Michael's Hill to the north, and the railway to the west. 

Appendices 

Little development occurred prior to the 1860s, and the original layout of roads can still be seen in the alignment of Mill Lane and Lime Avenue, 

which are now attractive tree-lined streets. Some streets follow the contours, whilst others are completely straight, and to the south cross each 

other at 45 degree angles, leading to unusual plot dimensions and interesting vistas. There is a contrast in character between the broad, straight 

boulevard-style streets and the quieter back roads. The undulating or sloping topography, which allows glimpses of adjoining suburbs, 

contributes to the character of the English Riviera. 

In some cases, the development of the Villas as hotels or guest houses has damaged the character of the Conservation Area, especially in Avenue 

Road and Newton Road. A combination of signage, hard parking forecourts and window canopies have all had a detrimental effect. This 

contrasts with more sensitively developed hotels in some of the quieter streets, notably Cleveland, Vansittart and Bridge Roads, in which the 

boundary features are retained. 

Many of the detached villas, which are mostly stuccoed, are surrounded by limestone walls, which are usually less than 2m high. Topped with 

mainly evergreen hedges or shrubs, and with an abundance of gate piers, these walls help to give the area a good sense of spaciousness, 

contrasting with the white stucco buildings. 

The valley setting of the Conservation Area, enclosed by tree-clad slopes to the north and west, gives the area a sense of containment that 

separates it from the adjoining Conservation Areas. The significant number of mature street-trees, mostly Planes and Limes, create an almost 

park-like setting to most of the villas and should be retained. Maintenance of these and the provision of suitable trees to replace them as they 

become over-mature should be considered. 

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Appendices 

Control of signage is a key issue if the character of the Conservation Area is to be maintained. Damage to boundary walls resulting from lack of 

maintenance and tree-root damage needs to be addressed. The provision of more appropriate street lamps, which relate to the historic 

precedent, is desirable. 

20. Tormohun Conservation Area 

Tormohun Conservation Area is an inner suburb of Torquay, adjoining the Town Centre. It mainly consists of 19th Century terraced housing, 

with some examples of typical mid 19th Century villas. There are two subsidiary shopping areas, one extending along the upper part of Union 

Street, the other along part of Belgrave Road and Lucius Street. The southern part of the Conservation Area contains hotels and guest houses, a 

characteristic shared with the adjoining Belgravia and Torre Conservation Areas. 

The Conservation Area can be divided into five broadly similar sub-areas: 

1. Union St/Brunswick Square: the main commercial axis of shops, which also contains the Memorial Gardens public park. This area 

forms an extension of the main urban spine between the Harbour and the Town Hall, and provides an important local centre. 

2. St Andrew's Church and mainly residential area to the north: the churchyard is one of the major green spaces within the Conservation 

Area, surrounded by several streets dominated by close-knit terraced housing from the mid-19th Century. 

3. Belgrave Road/Lucius Street: a more formally laid out area of late 19th Century terraces. 

4. Tor Hill Road/Morgan Avenue: An area containing a scattering of early-mid 19th Century villas, and both terraced and semi-detached 

late 19th Century /early 20th Century houses. The Central Church is a major landmark on the junction of Torhill Road and Tor Church 

Road. Tor Hill, a prominent limestone outcrop, is a local landmark. 

5. Upton Road/Magdalene Road: a mid-late 19th Century residential area close to Upton Park, including some late 19th Century stone 

outbuildings used for light industrial purposes. 

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The majority of this area was developed following the completion of the railway and opening of Torquay Station in 1859. The scale and form of 

the late 19th Century terraced houses gives the conservation area much of its character. White-washed stucco predominates, with exposed 

stone used for the larger public buildings, and slate roofs. The existing period detail of many of the buildings is of considerable importance to 

the character of the area. 

Trees are an important element of the Conservation Area. Lime Avenue is a fragment of the tree-lined approach to Torre Abbey which remains, 

surrounded by the later development. Other streets, such as Croft Road and Bampfylde Road, leading from the Conservation Area, provide 

similar straight, boulevard style tree-lined streets. Lime, London Plane and Common Lime predominate, with some trees dating from the original 

layout. These should be retained and, where appropriate, additional trees planted to provide replacements in the future. 

Appendices 

There are three open spaces - St Andrew's churchyard, Memorial Gardens and Brunswick Square - each contain significant mature trees. Of 

particular note are the mature Lime and Oak trees in the churchyard, the massive Monterey Cypress in Memorial Gardens, and the large Plane 

and Holm Oak trees in Brunswick Square and the adjacent car park. Again, these contribute significantly to the townscape and should be 

retained. Maintenance of these and the provision of suitable trees to replace these as they become over-mature should be considered. 

Some recent development has damaged the historic townscape, for example in Union St and the junction of Tor Hill Road and Laburnum Row. 

Future redevelopment opportunities should seek to improve the street elevations in these areas. 

21. Upton Conservation Area 

Upton Conservation Area extends from the northern edge of Torquay town centre to either side of St. Marychurch Road. It contains the Town 

Hall (1912), and other nearby public buildings including the mid-19th Century Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalene, and the Upton Vale Baptist 

Church built 1862-3. 

The land rises steeply from the narrow valley floor to a plateau on which typical Torquay villas started to be built from the 1820s. In the later 

part of the 19th Century, smaller-scale terraced houses started to appear. At about this time the former stream was culverted when Upton park 

was laid out to form a linear open space leading to the town centre. 

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The Conservation Area can be broadly divided into four sub-areas, with contrasting townscape character resulting from varying topography and a 

mix of development types: 

Appendices 

1. Town Hall environs: a concentration of mid-late 19th Century and early-late 20th Century public and commercial buildings at the edge 

of the town centre. 

2. Castle Road: The Castle, a much altered mid-19th Century neo-Gothic villa with battlements located on a rocky outcrop above the 

town centre, provides a local focal point. The remainder of this area was developed after 1870, and consists of later smaller villas (some 

semi-detached), and two well-proportioned Italianate terraces. 

3. St Marychurch, Thurlow and Ash Hill Road areas: This is an informally laid out area, mostly on higher ground with some extensive 

outward views, consisting of early-mid 19th Century detached villas with later infilling during the late 18th Century and early 20th 

Century. 

4. Lymington Road/Upton Park: An area laid out at the later part of the 18th Century following quite extensive stone-quarrying. The 

building-line follows the valley in a linear curve, with the groups of mainly terraced houses facing the relatively formal layout of Upton 

Park and its several avenues of mature trees. 

Stucco or colour-washed render is the predominant finish, with some exposed natural limestone, particularly on the public buildings. The local 

limestone is also widely used as random rubble walls, and steps, kerbstones and gate-piers. 

The topography has provided a network of linking streets that tend to follow the line of contours or break the slope at an angle. Buildings are 

often positioned to take best advantage of the views, resulting in some dramatic townscape. There are some linking pedestrian walkways, with 

stone steps and rubble walls. From the higher part of the Conservation Areas there are distant views, both out to sea and across the valleys 

carved by the Torwood and Fleet streams. 

The Conservation Area contains considerable numbers of mature trees, including some important street-trees, most notably along Lymington 

Road. There are several avenues of mature trees, some of the best examples of which are in Upton Park, and where footpaths link Magdalene 

Road and Lymington Road. In other parts of the Conservation Area there are extensive mature trees on private land, including examples of 

Monkey Puzzle, Mediterranean pine and various species of Cypress. Maintenance of the mature trees within the Conservation Area, and the 

provision of suitable trees to replace these as they become over-mature should be considered. 

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22. Abbey Road Conservation Area 

Abbey Road Conservation Area borders the western edge of Torquay town centre, and is closely associated with the adjacent Torquay Harbour 

Conservation Area. It is predominantly a 19th Century inner suburb, containing a mix of shops, offices and residential uses, with several larger 

hotels in the Tor Church Road area. The topography changes from gently sloping ground to steep north and east facing slopes in the south, with 

roads that follow the contours and are linked by steep steps and views across the Fleet valley. 

Appendices 

The Conservation Area can be divided into five character areas: 

1. Abbey Road North: An area of early-mid 19th Century houses and villas, and later 19th Century Hotels. 

2. Tor Hill Road Shopping Area: A small area of mainly secondary shopping frontages, adapted from former mid-late 19th Century terraced 

houses. 

3. Abbey Road South: Predominately mid-late 19th Century housing with a commercial mix on the northern side, including several listed 

buildings. There are several mid-late 20th Century commercial and housing developments that detract from the character of this area. 

4. Warren Road: A continuous late 19th Century terrace on the west side and more mixed-use late 19th century houses facing, with views 

to the east across the town centre. 

5. Melville Street/Warren Hill: a quieter enclave of potentially attractive townscape containing a high proportion of listed buildings dating 

mainly from the early-mid 19th Century. Curving streets and steep slopes add to the visual interest, and there is great potential for 

regeneration and enhancement of the historic environment. 

Much of the historic character of the conservation area resides in the substantial proportion of modest 19th Century frontages, with original 

detail. Stucco and render predominate, punctuated by several significant stone buildings including the former Town Hall and Abbey Hall. The 

level changes have a significant effect on building layout and design, with some houses having an additional one to three lower-ground floors to 

the rear. 

Local grey limestone is widely used as random-coursed rubble in boundary walls, and dressed for use as steps to linking paths, kerbstones and 

gulleys. These should be retained and enhanced in any streetscape works. Blue tile and original cast iron street nameplates still exist within the 

Conservation Area, and should be retained and reinstated where possible. 

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Appendices 

There are several important street-trees, notably Horse Chestnut in Croft Hill, Lime at the junction of Abbey Road and Warren Road, and a 

single prominent Holm Oak at the junction of Warren Road and Warren Hill. Deciduous species, especially sycamore, have naturalised on 

slopes too steep to cultivate, especially to the rear of Warren Road. Retention of these trees is essential, and opportunities to locate additional 

specimen trees at key points in the streetscape should be investigated. 

Poor signage and pedestrian/vehicular surfaces detract from the streetscape within the Conservation Area, and this should be addressed in any 

future streetscape works. The 19th century street layout, including historic surfaces, off-street footpaths and steps, street furniture, railings etc. 

23. Shorton Conservation Area 

Shorton is the smallest of Torbay's Conservation Areas, consisting of a cluster of pre-20th Century buildings located in a steep, wooded valley 2 

miles to the north west of Paignton town centre. The topography prevents development, and the Conservation Area, with its complex of lanes, 

walls, banks and orchard remnants, retains a tranquil rural character that is in stark contrast to the surrounding mid to late 20th Century 

development 

The original settlement is informally grouped around a network of narrow lanes that are either walled or banked, which are probably of ancient 

origin. The earliest surviving buildings appear to have 16th/17th century origins, and are built of local red breccia and cob. 

The boundary walls and hedge banks are an important part of the character of the Conservation Area. Most are in reasonable condition, 

although some masonry has become dislodged from the drystone sections. Careful detailing is required in the repair of these walls; the use of 

hard mortar can cause rapid erosion of the soft sandstone. 

Much of the conservation area is well-wooded. Elsewhere, specimen trees and groups include Monterey Pines, Tulip Tree and Atlas Cedars, 

many of which are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. 

It is important that the rural character of the Conservation Area is maintained by any road or streetscape works that are undertaken in this area. 

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24. Polsham Conservation Area 

Polsham Conservation Area is located immediately to the north of Paignton town centre, and is mainly to the east of the A379 Torquay Road. 

The Conservation Area has three separate areas of differing character, with a contrast between the informal organic layout up to the mid-19th 

Century, and the much more formal layout during the rapid growth of Paignton during the next 60 years: 

1. Polsham Road (west of the railway): This area includes short sections of Higher Polsham Road and Torquay Road, together with part of 

Lower Polsham Road. The original buildings date from the late 17th Century to mid 19th Century, with subsequent infilling. The 

Paignton to Newton Abbot Railway forms the eastern boundary of this area. 

2. Polsham Park: Polsham Park was a largely speculative development based on designs prepared by G. S. Bridgman in 1890. This inner 

suburb is located between Polsham Road and Victoria Park and includes the Parish Church of Christ, which had been previously built 

between 1887 and 1888. The suburb consists of a mix of formally-arranged detached, semi-detached and terraced houses built 

between 1895 and 1900, in a lavish style typical of the better quality housing of the period. The original street layout is almost 

completely intact in this part of the Conservation Area, and should be retained in any streetscape improvements. 

3. Parkfield and its immediate surrounding: This area extends mainly east and north from the railway towards the seafront at Esplanade 

Road. Parkfield, an early 19th Century villa, is the major historic building, surrounded by extensive grounds and bounded by a stone 

wall with overhanging trees along its southern edge. 

Appendices 

The majority of the buildings are stuccoed, with a white or colour-washed render, although there are a few earlier buildings of cob construction. 

The modest scale of the earlier buildings, which are often close to or front onto the street, contrasts with the grander and more regular 

elevations of the late 19th Century development which is set back from road. 

There is extensive use of local and imported stone throughout the Conservation Area, predominately local red sandstone used as random rubble 

boundary walls. Grey limestone is used to a limited extent, although it is the predominant material in the extensive walls and gate-piers of 

Parkfield. There are also a few sections of surviving limestone kerbstones and gullies which should be retained and, if possible, extended as part 

of any streetscape improvements. 

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Appendices 

Early maps indicate that the early settlement in Polsham was surrounded by orchards. With the exception of Victoria Park to the south, there 

are few substantial green spaces within the Conservation Area. The grounds of Parkfield include a rich mixture of mainly deciduous trees, with a 

scattering of Mediterranean Pines and Holm Oak. These are a prominent feature at the end of the Esplanade. 

The mature Lime trees within Christ Church churchyard are a prominent feature along Polsham Road. There are also significant street-trees at 

the southern end of Polsham Park, a mix of Lime, Plane and Holm Oak, that will require ongoing maintenance to ensure their future retention. 

Mature trees within the gardens, especially of the 19th Century development, make a significant contribution to the character of the 


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Appendix Three: References 

Paving the Way - how we can achieve clean, safe and attractive streets - CABE, 2002 

Living Places: Caring for Quality - ODPM, 2004 

Streets for All - a guide to the management of London's streets, English Heritage and partners - March 2000 

Appendices 

Designing Places, Scottish Executive - 2001 

By Design - CABE 2000 

Better Streets, Better Places - Delivering Sustainable Residential Environments - ODPM, 2003 

Urban Design Compendium - Llewelyn-Davies for English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation, 2000 

Living Places: Cleaner, Safer, Greener - ODPM, 2002 

The 2002 Designing Streets for People Report - UDAL and the ICE, 2002 

Home Zone Design Guidelines - Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers, June 2002 

Towards an Urban Renaissance - Urban Task Force, 1999. 

Inclusive mobility - Department of Transport, 2003 

Traffic in Historic Town Centres - English Historic Towns Forum, June 1994 

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Planning and Development Services, 2nd Floor, Roebuck House, 

Abbey Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5DP 

Tel: 01803 201201 Fax: 01803 208858 

www.torbay.gov.uk/publicspaces

TORBAY STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES 2004-2007 - Torbay Council

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