Torbay Council approves new housing for Brixham residents

Brixham residents will be given priority for the new homes

Brixham residents have been assured by the council that they will be prioritised for new homes in the town.

Torbay Council's cabinet has approved a £5.7m project to build 23 new flats on the site of the old St Kilda's care home.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the demolition of the old building, off Drew Street, will begin in the summer.

The target date for opening the new building is early 2026.

Councillor Alan Tyerman said he does not believe there will be "difficulty in filling" the new homes.

Mr Tyerman said: "In fact I'm sure we could fill them two or three times over. There has always been a wish to do something like this with that site.

"Priority will be given to Brixham residents. This has been targeted to suit people who want to downsize to a property that is well-managed and modern."

'Take shape'

Councillor Nick Bye said his late mother had been one of the last residents in the old St Kilda's home.

He said: "It has been incredibly sad for me to see it empty. Brixham has an older population than Torquay or Paignton, but most of the accommodation we have for older people is in Torquay and Paignton."

The council will now bid for funding from Homes England, said the government's housing and regeneration agency.