Torbay Council have ‘no intention’ of selling the Victorian Parkfield House in Paignton – although they are not giving the building special protection.
Following a Cabinet of Council vote, most of the Parkfield estate – including the BMX track, MyPlace, the Parkfield House stable, Parkfield House grounds and community woods – was listed as an “asset of community value”.
However, the house was denied special status because, according to council documents, it has “no established community use”.
Read more:Unvaccinated binmen in Torbay causing problems and delays
Parkfield House is a Grade II listed building thought to have been built in the early 19th century and is considered an important part of Paignton’s architectural history.
The building was once a base for youth support services.
The council says its future use will be decided after discussions with the local community.
A building or other land is eligible to become an asset of community value if it is currently or has recently been used to further the “social welfare” or “social interests” of a local community and could do so at the future.
Once a property is listed as such, the local community must be informed if it is offered for sale.
Individuals or organizations in the community can then apply for a six-month moratorium to decide if they can raise the funds to purchase the property.
Unless the asset is sold, the status lasts for five years, after which it must be renewed by the board.
Councilor David Thomas said: “There is great concern about Parkfield House because that is the area the community is interested in.”
He wants the council to have public discussions about his plans for Parkfield House so that it does not fall into disrepair and eventually be sold.
Deputy leader of the council, Darren Cowell, cabinet member responsible for finance, said the coalition ruling the council had “no intention” of selling Parkfield House.
He added: “It is the intention of the administration, and I hope that the council as a whole – and I think it is multi-stakeholder – will work together to find a long-term sustainable solution for the field of Parkfield, which will include the house.”
Want our top stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news drops? Download our app on iPhone or Android
Comments are closed.