Seafront Pitch and Putt Closes Following Damage to Historic Barn

A seafront pitch and putt course, operational for 60 years, has closed its doors. This action was taken after golf balls, hit off course, inflicted “regular damage” on an adjacent Grade I listed barn. Torbay Council stated that, following careful consideration, the tenancy for Torre Abbey Pitch and Putt in Torquay, Devon, concluded, and the land was “given back to management” on 1 November. The council had previously announced its plan to close the site in September, after the Grade I listed Spanish Barn experienced roof damage from golf ball impacts. Close to 1,500 people signed an online petition opposing the closure. The council indicated its exploration of options for repurposing the land, aiming for its return to community use, and evaluating methods for improved management of the entire site. The golf course is situated in front of the Spanish Barn, identified as a rare medieval tithe barn, and also Torre Abbey, which holds the status of a scheduled monument. The third phase of a restoration initiative for Torre Abbey commenced in the summer of 2023. The authority communicated its intention to examine how restoration projects could advance in accordance with legal duties and financial prerequisites, and how prospects for generating income could be “maximised”. It further noted that during the restoration efforts, “exciting artefacts and archaeological remains have been uncovered, including the original cobblestone path”. It was stated that “The next phase of Torre Abbey’s restoration programme – which has already received early interest from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – will look at returning the land from the Abbey to the seafront, back to community use.” “The community will have the opportunity to engage with the project team to help shape how the space can be used to continue to tell Torre Abbey’s story, as well as potentially offering space for sustainable planting, green sports infrastructure, play and events in the future.”