People living in a stunning historic market town fear plans drawn up by the city council to revitalise its centre may end up “killing it” instead.

Newton Abbot, in the south Devon countryside, is home to an array of shops, both independent and part of chains, as well as pubs and restaurants scattered across the high street and market quarter.

But plans rubber-stamped by councillors to widen pavements and reduce on-street parking in the heart of the town’s centre have angered and confused some.

The controversial revamp of the central Queen Street involves “public realm enhancements” between Courtenay Street and The Avenue for improved crossings, more seating and extra provision for buses and bicycles.

The Devon County Council approved the changes for Queen Street last month, which will lead to the removal of half of the on-street parking in the area. 

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Traffic orders have been approved to enable the scheme to be implemented, with the changes including a 20mph speed limit, new waiting, parking, loading restrictions and closing off several roads to anything other than through traffic – an effective ban for many cars.

While these plans will likely improve the experience for pedestrians, some business owners and locals fear it may have a ripple effect on the lively centre.

Simon Garner, who has lived in Newton Abbot for 22 years, told DevonLive when asked about the plans for the town centre: “It’s good at the moment, but I don’t think it will be soon when they force through something with the Government funding to pedestrianise the main street.

“That is going to do away with all the short-term parking where the elderly are able to park up by the shop, buy some groceries and go. But the plans are to pedestrianise it, and there is no other parking other than the car parks which are a little way out of the town. 

“I think it’s going to kill the town centre, like it has in Paignton [where the council is reconsidering the pedestrianisation of Torbay Road].”

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There are also plans for Market Hall and Market Square, including the creation of a new eating quarter, a new cinema, a remodelled entertainment and events venue and a market space.

The stated aim is to “re-establish the markets” – which suffered a huge blow during the coronavirus pandemic – “at the heart of the community, offering a mixed-use space providing leisure, dining, shopping, artistic, community and cultural opportunities”.

Natalia Payne is more optimistic about the plans to transform the centre, saying that as long as they are meant to “bring a modern edge” to it and prevent it from “falling by the wayside” they are welcomed. 

But she acknowledged business owners’ concerns, adding: “It’s just what damage it’s going to do to other businesses that is a concern. As long as it keeps the town kind of modern, I don’t think it’s a problem really.”

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Speaking about the scheme for the town centre after it was approved in July, Devon’s highways chief, Cllr Stuart Hughes said Queen Street would be made “more attractive, accessible, inclusive place for visitors and locals alike” thanks to the revamp.

Teignbridge District Council leader, Cllr Martin Wrigley, appreciated the scheme is deemed “controversial” by some in Newton Abbot, but said there is a “long history that shows pedestrianisation projects do improve the commerce in the street and the life of the street, and I think this is a change that needs to be done”.

On the other hand, Cllr Janet Bradford, representing the South Devon Alliance, raised concerns, saying the changes would drive more people to the out-of-town shopping centre.

She added: “There’s absolutely no evidence that these plans will provide any benefit for either businesses or the users of Queen Street. But there is clear evidence in other towns that schemes to reduce convenient parking are very damaging.”

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