Businesses operating near Teignmouth’s back beach are furious after a controversial planning application that has reduced valuable parking nearby was approved despite numerous objections from members of the public.

Teignbridge District Council (TDC) planning officers approved a retrospective planning application from Teignmouth Town Council (TTC) on Monday (February 2) to build a new public toilet block on the Lower Point Car Park.

However, local businesses are angry that the decision was not referred to the planning committee of District councillors after the application attracted 57 comments objecting to the plans.

Residents and business owners said the plans contravene the Neighbourhood Plan that seeks to protect off-street car parking and prevent the loss of parking capacity. They are also unhappy that the new block only contains three toilets while the existing block in the Point car park has eight WCs and they are asking why TTC could not have simply refurbished the existing toilet building to add an accessible toilet.

Other issues raised include the question of why TDC planning officers did not consult with a conservation officer when the site is based in a conservation area and just metres away from the Grade II listed Teignmouth Lifeboat House. And questions have also been raised about the timing of the decision.

TDC had previously indicated that it would not make a decision until February 6. However, when District and Town Councillor David Cox requested a dispensation to enable him to ‘call in’ the application after talking with residents and business owners, he was told it was ‘too late’.

TTC had previously obtained planning permission for the new toilet block in August 2022, with no objections. However, the three-year authorisation lapsed in August 2025 and TTC submitted a retrospective application in November 2025.

The Lower Point car park conveniences are part of TTC’s wider toilet project, which includes new facilities in the East Cliff and Quay Road car parks and on The Den as well as the refurbishment of the Lower Brook Street toilets.

Elsewhere in Teignbridge, many public loos are at risk of permanent closure as the District Council seeks to divest assets to cut costs.