Accusations developer overstepped as anger mounts at demolition of 'protected' building

WORK on a controversial development in Torquay has been halted amid claims the developer has gone too far.

- by GUY HENDERSON & ABIGAIL NEEP

A bulldozer started demolition at Singleton Gardens just before the Easter weekend, sparking an outcry on social media from local conservation campaigners.

They claimed OJ Developments used the Easter bank holiday to demolish the entire building, when council enforcement offers were not working. Tempers flared and police were called after reports of an assault near the site.

Now Torbay Council has told the developer to stop work, saying it may consider enforcement action.

The green light was given unanimously last March for extensions and alterations to an existing gardener's cottage, with current extensions being demolished, along with a greenhouse and outbuilding.

But when work began, there were concerns the developer had overstepped the mark and flattened what should have been preserved in addition to what it was permitted to take down.

The situation sparked fury among members of the Wellswood Community Partnership and Save Singleton Gardens campaign, which have fought to protect the site.

Campaign figurehead David Redman said the situation was like “taking a wrecking ball to future generations’ heritage.”

Singleton Gardens is a cherished green space and is also highlighted in local conservation plans.