Devon glamping retreat and 200 jobs on cards as farm shop Greendale eyes Occombe takeover

The Paignton farm attraction, its shop and cafe could reopen if plans are approved

The business behind Exeter’s award-winning Greendale Farm Shop is set to assume control of Occombe Farm on the edge of Paignton, with proposals including ‘glamping’ facilities, indoor play zones and sports courts. The venture could create up to 200 jobs should the scheme proceed.

The Paignton farm attraction, along with its shop and café, has remained shuttered since the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust went under last year, with all its assets subsequently sold at auction during the winter months.

Torbay Council’s cabinet is now preparing to transfer Occombe to the Exeter-based firm for a sum that will exceed the property’s market valuation. No specific figure has been revealed to date.

Torbay Council, working alongside its grounds and maintenance provider SWISCo, took over management of the Occombe site and surrounding land in December.

Greendale intends to relaunch the operation and put forward comprehensive proposals to enhance the location with leisure and retail amenities. The firm would additionally assume responsibility for managing farm and woodland areas surrounding Occombe, including sections designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Greendale’s ‘powered by cow poo’ farm shop on Sidmouth Road features a café, sauna, farm trails and a calendar of activities which includes a weekly parkrun.

The company is already established in Torbay through its partnership with sister operation Waterdance, which runs a fleet of fishing trawlers based at Brixham Harbour. The organisation’s vision for Occombe Farm includes an indoor play area alongside a farm shop and café championing locally-sourced food and produce, supporting local businesses, stimulating economic growth and minimising the carbon footprint.

It also proposes that the land and buildings could be developed to incorporate indoor sports courts amongst other facilities designed to promote wellness. Looking further ahead, and subject to planning permission, a glamping holiday ‘retreat’ is also on the cards.

Torbay council’s deputy leader Chris Lewis (Con, Preston) said: “Occombe Farm was a much-loved part of Torbay’s heritage for many years and has been greatly missed since its closure.

“We are committed to securing a sustainable, community-focused future for the site. Appointing a single operator with a proven track record in Devon, such as Greendale, will help us deliver that vision for our people and our place.

“Their proposals will not only enhance leisure opportunities for our community but also provide a significant boost to the local economy, with the potential to create up to 200 jobs for local people.”

The proposals are set to be considered by the cabinet on June 9.