Description
The site comprises 16.64 hectares (41.1 acres) and contains several former buildings associated with the use of the site as the former Stoodley Knowle School. The site forms part of the eastern edge of the built-up area of Torquay and lies between the town and coast.
The area is predominantly previously developed and residential in character to the west and south. To the north and east are existing school buildings and residential development along with part complete residential development. Beyond this, the land is mainly open meadow, coastal woodland and the sea.
Location
The site is situated in Torquay, a popular seaside town in South Devon. Torquay enjoys strong regional connectivity and is approximately 25 miles south of Exeter via the A380 and 35 miles east of Plymouth. The site lies 100 miles from Bristol via Exeter and the M5 motorway.
Torquay benefits from good rail links, with services running along the Riviera Line connecting to Newton Abbot, Exeter and onwards to national routes. These transport connections make Ilsham Grange easily accessible from key South West cities. The site itself is situated in an elevated position to the east of the town of Torquay with sea views overlooking Lyme Bay.
Development Progress Overview
Construction at the site has commenced, with significant progress achieved during the initial phase of works. Seven new-build houses were successfully completed and sold, forming the first finished section of the development.
Work then advanced to Apartment Blocks A B and C, where the structural frames have been erected and made fully watertight, providing a strong foundation for future internal works. In addition, a range of conversion and refurbishment works have been carried out to the existing buildings across the site.
Further groundwork has also taken place, including the installation of foundations for several of the new-build dwellings, ensuring that key elements of the next phase are already in place.
Construction activity is currently paused, but substantial progress has been completed to date offering a solid base for the continuation and delivery of the remaining development.
Connectivity
• Road: Exeter – 45 minutes, Plymouth – 60 minutes, Bristol – 2hrs 40 mins
• Air: Exeter Airport (approx. 45 minutes by car) provides domestic and European flights.
• Sea: Passenger ferries leave from Plymouth (approx. 60 minutes by car) to France and Spain.
Strong Market Demand
Previous marketing of the scheme has demonstrated excellent demand for future phases, with a substantial level of interest generated from prospective purchasers. This demand will be further explored with the appointed agents, with the potential to utilise and convert this existing buyer pool to support future sales. The strength of this interest underlines the scheme’s continued appeal and provides confidence in the delivery and performance of subsequent phases.
Planning
The Ilsham Grange site benefits from resolution to grant planning permission (subject to S106 – Ref: P/2024/0693) and accompanying Listed Building Consent (Ref: P/2024/0694) for its comprehensive redevelopment into a high quality coastal residential community. The approved scheme delivers 90 new homes, comprising 68 contemporary apartments arranged within three sensitively designed 4–5 storey buildings, together with 22 houses (7 of which are already built and complete), a mix of newly built dwellings and conversions of retained structures. The development includes upgraded access, landscaped grounds, parking provision (including 89 spaces for the apartments), and the opening of the northern coastal meadow for use of residents within the development.
A significant element of the proposal involves the restoration and reuse of the site’s important heritage assets within the Historic Quarter, which includes the Grade II* Ilsham Manor Oratory and several Grade II listed barns and outbuildings. Listed Building Consent authorises the repair, conversion, and sympathetic extension of these structures to create six bespoke homes, including the reinstatement of a demolished barn, removal of unsympathetic modern additions, and use of traditional materials to refurbish buildings.
Planning obligations include a £500,000 off site affordable housing contribution, secured through a Section 106 agreement, alongside deferred obligations related to wider infrastructure needs. The overall development has been assessed as high quality, environmentally considerate, and respectful of its impressive sensitive coastal and heritage context. Knight Frank would be pleased to assist any purchasers in understanding the planning history for the site.
Viewings
The property comprises a partially constructed, vacant development site with associated health and safety considerations. As such, access is strictly permitted by prior appointment only and must be arranged through the joint agents, Bradleys and Knight Frank LLP. Prospective bidders should be aware that inspections are made entirely at their own risk and neither the Vendor nor their Agent accept any liability
Tenure
The property is held freehold
VAT
TBC whether the site is elected for VAT
Legal Fees
Each party to be responsible for their own legal costs.
Data Room
Further information including planning, architectural, legal and title information can be found in the data room. Access will be provided upon request.
Proposal
The Freehold interest of the site is offered for sale by informal tender. We are instructed to seek offers on an unconditional basis. All offers should be sent in writing to Kevin James of Bradleys and Nick More of Knight Frank by Midday Tuesday 2nd June.
A bidding proforma is provided in the information pack for completion and submission with all offers.
Disclaimer
These sales particulars are provided for guidance only and do not form any part of an offer or contract. All descriptions, dimensions, plans, reference to planning permissions, conditions, services and permissions are provided in good faith and are believed to be correct, however prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to their accuracy. No responsibility or liability is accepted for any errors, omissions or misstatements, whether written or verbal. Any areas, measurements or distances stated are approximate and should not be relied upon as exact. The land is sold subject to all relevant easements, rights of way, wayleaves, covenants and any other matters that may affect it, whether mentioned in these particulars or not. Purchasers are strongly advised to make their own enquiries, obtain independent professional advice, and consult the relevant planning authority regarding any proposed development. Access onto the land is strictly by prior appointment only.
