Project Overview
Bell Cornwell assisted our client, The PG Group, in securing planning permission and listed building consent for their scheme at Stoodley Knowle, which involved the redevelopment of a disused independent girls’ school in Torquay for 90 new homes.
Torbay’s Planning Committee voted unanimously to approve the redevelopment of the former school site which is situated on the top of the cliffs above Anstey’s Cove in the Wellswood part of the town. Following the permissions, work has commenced and the development is now well underway.
Set amongst acres of wildflower meadow and ancient woodland, the scheme comprises a mixture of new houses and apartments as well as the conversion of a range of historic buildings – most of which boast views over the coast.
The school made for an incredibly complex project with planning sensitivities attributed to both the heritage ground works, the numerous environmental designations and the site’s prominent clifftop location. The site lies within an area designated as Undeveloped Coast and is home to a number of listed buildings including a medieval manor house and a grade II* listed chapel dating back to the 13th Century. It is also adjacent to a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Scientific Interest.
The project demanded a multi-layered approach and the involvement of an expert team from various specialisms in order to achieve success. We are pleased to see works are well underway for this fantastic scheme.
