Hidden pipes cause more havoc for Devon revamp projects

Plans have had to change after the unexpected discoveries

A second South Devon development scheme has been hampered by the discovery of ‘uncharted’ underground pipes. Torbay Council has already been forced to change its plans for a multi-million-pound revamp of Torquay ’s harbourside area after contractors discovered old water pipes that weren’t on any of their maps.

It meant trees couldn’t be planted, and led to a planned cycle path being controversially scrapped.

Now contractors have found ‘unregistered services’ under the surface of Queen Street in Newton Abbot, and tree planting plans have had to be changed there too.

Cllr David Palethorpe (Lib Dem, Ipplepen) told Teignbridge Council’s executive committee that plans to sink new trees in pits as part of the Queen Street redevelopment would have to be shelved, although five trees will be put in planters instead.

He was giving members an update on the three Newton Abbot schemes on which £12 million of government Future High Streets money is being spent.

Despite the hiccup over the trees, he said Queen Street is due to be completed ahead of schedule by the end of November. Contractors have pledged to keep disruption to a minimum around Remembrance Sunday on 10 November.

“It has been controversial, but it is beginning to look very attractive,” he said. “It may be completed slightly ahead of schedule. Come and shop in Newton Abbot, because we are open for business.”

The Market Hall part of the project will see traders moving out next week (14 October) into a ‘mini market hall’ while the larger hall is redeveloped. Work will go on through next year and should be completed early in 2026.

The third part of the project is Bradley Lane, where conservation campaigners are urging the council to think again before knocking down a historic mill building to make way for houses.

But, said Cllr Palethorpe: “It’s an ideal development. It’s a brownfield site, and we will be moving forward with the clearance to build much-needed homes.”

The property, known locally as the Launa Building after the window company that once used it, is now derelict and fenced off, with the council responsible for keeping it secure.

“The site is costing us in excess of £18,000 a month, and has cost us more than £231,000 a year while it has been in its current state,” said Cllr Palethorpe. “That money could be better used somewhere else.”