Western Morning News (Saturday)
New look seafront designs are unveiled
IMAGES have gone on show illustrating how a rebuilt Paignton seafront could look. The plans are part of a third phase of public consultations on improvements to the seafronts in Paignton and Preston.
The aim is to create new seafront spaces which will withstand rising sea levels in coming years and protect the town’s low-lying areas from flooding.
On Paignton seafront the illustrations show a wide, raised, traffic-free promenade on the harbour side of the pier, with seating areas and new illuminations. On the Redcliffe side of the pier there are cars and a cycle lane, and words by Paignton poet and Herald Express columnist Robert Garnham set in the stonework.
Preston’s sea front is shown with wide walkways and flower beds.
More than 450 people took part in the second phase of the consultations, and the latest illustrations reflect their comments.
LDA Design, the independent design consultancy commissioned by Torbay Council to produce the master plan, says it has taken note of the feedback and has prepared a single design for both Paignton and Preston seafronts.
It is now asking residents for their views on the plans and says it particularly wants to hear from people who use the spaces, those who live in Paignton and Preston, anyone who has experienced flooding from the sea in Paignton and from businesses in the area.
Cllr Mike Morey, the council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, environment and culture, said: “It has been great to hear from so many residents and businesses about the plans LDA Design have put together for these two popular seafronts. Your views and feedback are important to us and have helped to shape this next phase and the ideas for improving the seafront.
“All of our wonderful coastline brings people to the area, but this part of the bay is under threat from rising sea levels. This is why LDA Design are helping us to explore the type of sea defences that are right to protect the town from flooding.
“I hope those of you who use or live by Paignton and Preston sea fronts, particularly those whose properties have experienced flooding from the sea, take the time to look at the plans and help us shape the improvements to your area.”
The new plans have been given a cautious welcome by their fiercest critic. Richard Kaskow of the Action For Paignton pressure group has been an outspoken critic of previous proposals for the sea front. He was among the people who forced a U-turn on an initial plan to build a flood defence barrier to protect Paignton and Preston Greens from the rising seas.
Now, though, he has given the thumbs-up to the latest plans. “Initial reaction to latest is a big well done,” he said. “Credit where it is due.”
In a letter to the council and LDA, Mr Kaskow went on: “By integrating the sea defence with a raised walkway, you have avoided a stand-alone sea wall, apart from a section adjacent to the Geo Play Park Cafe. Good to see a lower prom, nearest the sea, being considered in the short term, as this is very much in need of a makeover, as a minimum.” However, Mr Kaskow says the plans should include stronger landscaping. “While flower meadows on the seaward edge of the Green can look good in a wetter summer, they have looked very sad this year in Torbay Park,” he added.