Replacement restaurant signage at Harbour Light Restaurant North Quay, Paignton

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Torbay Planning Committee on 20 Jul 2026.

P/2026/0125Approved

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.

“Location Plan 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.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Navigation, ecology, highway and conservation matters were considered, with previous lighting concerns addressed through clarification and revisions.

“(response received 29.04.2026): The Highways Standing Advice would apply to the above application. If the Development fails to meet the requirements of the HSA, it should be considered as an objection by the Local Highway Authority. (https://www.torbay.gov.uk/council/policies/highways/standing-advice/ ). Torbay Council’s Harbour Master (response received 04.05.2026): That’s fine. Thank you for the clarification.”

“The proposed lighting would result in an increase in the level of illumination generally across the building, including at high level, which would undermine the traditional character of the building. The use of pastiche light fittings is also not appropriate. As a building that was not traditionally lit, its special interest is particularly sensitive to an increase in lighting externally. I recommend a reduction in the quantity of light fittings and a review of their style.”

Officer report

Resident concerns

One representation raised concern about light spill in relation to the premises licence.

“Torbay Council’s Conservation and Urban Design Officer (verbal response received 30.06.2026): The previous concerns have been addressed. Summary of Representations The application was advertised by way of a site notice and neighbour notification and consultation to internal and external bodies. One letter of representation has been received. Comments include: • Light spill in relation to the premise licence.”

Officer report

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the report’s planning conditions and delegated authority 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 →