Greendale, the company behind the Greendale Farm Shop near Exeter, is set to take over the management of Occombe Farm on the outskirts of Paignton following a proposal that will be considered by Torbay Council’s cabinet on June 9. If approved, the agreement could lead to the reopening and redevelopment of the site, which has remained closed since the collapse of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust in 2025.
Occombe Farm, along with its farm shop and café, ceased operations after the trust entered financial difficulties last year. The site’s contents were subsequently sold at auction during the winter. Since December, Torbay Council and its grounds and maintenance company, SWISCo, have overseen management of Occombe and surrounding land.
Under the proposed arrangement, Greendale would acquire the keys to the site for a sum reported to be above market value, although the purchase price has not been disclosed publicly.
The company plans to reopen the farm attraction and introduce a range of leisure, retail, and hospitality offerings while also taking responsibility for managing nearby farmland and woodland, including areas designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
According to the Mid-Devon Advertiser Series, the redevelopment would include a farm shop and café focused on locally sourced food and produce, as well as an indoor play area.
Additional proposals include indoor sports courts intended to support recreation and wellness activities. In the longer term, and subject to planning approval, Greendale also intends to develop a glamping retreat on the property.
Greendale currently operates its flagship farm shop on the Sidmouth Road near Exeter, which includes a café, farm trails, a sauna, and a calendar of community events. The company also has business interests in Torbay through a partnership with sister company Waterdance, which operates a fleet of fishing trawlers from Brixham Harbour.
Torbay Council officials believe the project could generate economic benefits for the area. Estimates indicate that up to 200 jobs could be created if the plans move forward as proposed.
Torbay Council 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.”
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, the proposal highlights how underutilized rural attractions can be repositioned through a mix of retail, recreation, food service, and overnight accommodations.
The inclusion of a future glamping component alongside family-oriented amenities and community-focused facilities reflects a broader trend in rural tourism development, where operators seek to diversify revenue streams and increase year-round visitor engagement.
If approved, the Occombe Farm project may serve as a case study in the adaptive reuse of tourism and agricultural assets following organizational restructuring or closure.
The proposal is scheduled to be reviewed by Torbay Council’s cabinet on June 9, with further details on the redevelopment expected if the agreement receives approval.