Replacement signs and lighting at Harbour Light Restaurant North Quay, Paignton

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Torbay Planning Committee on 20 Jul 2026.

P/2026/0126Approved

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for illuminated and non-illuminated replacement signage and external lighting, partly retrospectively.

“Description of Development This is a Listed Building Consent application for illuminated and non-illuminated replacement signage and external lighting, part retrospective.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a Grade II listed public house and restaurant in the Roundham and Paignton Harbour Conservation Area, near other listed buildings and Roundham Head SSSI.

“Site Details The site comprises a Grade II listed building and operating as a public house and restaurant.”

“The site is located within Flood Zones 2 and 3. The site is also within the designated Roundham and Paignton Harbour Conservation Area. There are a number of Grade II Listed Buildings within the immediate vicinity of the site. The site is within 250 metres of Roundham Head SSSI. The site is not located within Paignton Town Centre, however it is in close proximity.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier approvals covered repointing, alterations, terraces, seating, structural works, condenser units and illuminated signage.

“Relevant Planning History P/2006/1341: Repointing Of Seaward North Sandstone Elevation. Approved 04/10/2006. P/2019/0237: Internal and external alterations, additional external terrace area, external store areas and seating areas. New condenser units and structural alterations. Approved 17.07.2019 P/2019/0238: Internal and external alterations, additional external terrace area, external store areas and seating areas. New condenser units and structural alterations.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

The Harbour Master’s concern about navigation lights was resolved, ecology raised no concerns, conservation concerns were addressed, and one representation mentioned light spill.

“Summary of Consultation Responses Torbay Council’s Harbour Master (response received 27.04.2026): I have been passed the attached planning consultation form which has been submitted by Harbour Lights restaurant at Paignton Harbour. My only concern with this application is any effect that it may have on the navigation lights of the harbour.”

“Torbay Council’s Conservation and Urban Design Officer (response received 04.06.2026): I have reviewed the submitted information for both of the referenced applications above and have the following comments. The proposed change in the hand painted signage would not impact the significance of the building, having a neutral impact, subject to the quality of execution and finishing. The lighting element of the proposal however requires further review.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered acceptable in principle, with no unacceptable harm to visual character, heritage assets or public safety.

“Conclusions and Reasons for Decision In accordance with Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 places a duty on local planning authorities to determine proposals in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. This report gives consideration to the key planning issues, the merits of the proposal and Development Plan policies.”

“The proposal is acceptable in principle and would not result in unacceptable harm to: the visual character of the area; heritage assets, and/or; public safety. The proposal is considered to represent an appropriate form and degree of signage for its intended use, which will provide the Listed Building with a sustainable future and consequently enhance the visual character of the Conservation Area, whilst noting the design and heritage impacts which are considered acceptable.”

Officer report

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the report’s planning conditions and delegated arrangements for final drafting and new material considerations.

“Planning conditions as outlined within the submitted report, with the final drafting of conditions delegated to the Divisional Director of Place Strategy; and…”

Minutes

Sources

  • Torbay Planning Committee minutes, 20 July 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Torbay's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Torbay
Date
Monday 20 July 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

15 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →