A sizeable plot of neglected land, often referred to as ‘Chernobyl-on-Sea’ due to its resemblance to the infamous disaster site, remains abandoned with debris scattered around. The area, located in Hollicombe between Paignton and Torquay, was once home to gas holders that have since been removed, and a cleanup operation to eliminate toxic remnants from its previous industrial use was completed a decade ago.
Despite receiving approval for the construction of 185 residences back in 2012, no progress has been made on the development. Vistry Homes, the current landowners, have stated that they are continuously evaluating the project and will move forward with construction once it becomes viable.
Hollicombe is identified as a crucial “brownfield” site for housing development in Torbay, addressing the urgent need for more residential land. The location, spanning three acres between Tarraway Road and Mead Road, is currently disheveled with damaged fencing and other waste materials.
Local graffiti artists painted wooden panels along the main road linking Paignton and Torquay in response to community dissatisfaction. Initial plans for the area were unveiled to the public in 2007, when the gasworks had already been inactive for nearly four decades. Efforts to transform the space into a park were met with resistance from residents.
Formerly operational Midas Homes proposed the construction of 185 new dwellings, including a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with 44 designated as affordable housing units. Despite facing over 500 objections primarily related to traffic concerns, plans proceeded, leading to the creation of the Hollicombe Action Group to oppose the development.
Council members were informed of the necessity for a thorough decontamination process, prompting one planning committee member to liken the area to Chernobyl-on-Sea, drawing parallels to the Ukrainian city’s nuclear disaster in 1986.
In late 2010, council officials recommended the green light for the residential project and a public park. By early 2011, approval was granted on the condition of implementing a large covering structure during excavation to prevent the spread of hazardous substances. However, the government intervened in April 2011 to conduct an environmental impact assessment, delaying the project temporarily.
While assurances were later provided regarding the safe removal of toxic residues from the gasworks site, the development has remained stagnant since then, with no housing units constructed. Maps indicate the existence of Cudd Hill Road within the area, yet the road has never been realized.
