Blue Flag future in doubt for Torbay beaches

Torbay is ready to opt out of the internationally-recognised Blue Flag awards for its holiday beaches because it no longer suits the bay – and costs too much.

Instead there are plans to set up the bay’s own system of grading its beaches.

The council believes the Blue Flag system, which operates across more than 50 countries worldwide and sets internationally-recognised environmental standards, no longer works for the bay.

It also costs around £260,000.

The proposal will be considered by the council’s cabinet committee next week (Feb 17).

A report to the meeting says the new English Riviera Beach Excellence and Quality Standards (ERBS) will be more appropriate, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective than the Blue Flags, of which Torbay currently has six.

The report says the ERBS will be a ‘bespoke’ two-tier framework designed specifically for the bay. They will be ‘clear, transparent and locally accountable’, reflecting Torbay’s unique character and environment. They will also give better value for money.

The Blue Flag scheme, it says, has become increasingly rigid, operationally restrictive and costly. It is imposing requirements that are impractical for Torbay.

The report goes on: “While the Blue Flag scheme has historically offered recognition, its increasingly prescriptive requirements no longer align well with Torbay’s diverse coastline, sensitive marine environments and operational realities.”

The ERBS will strengthen the management, presentation and protection of the bay’s beaches, offering ‘Excellence’ or ‘Quality’ standards to eligible beaches.

Water testing standards will be higher, and there will be more facilities for beach users including ‘inflation stations’ for water craft and saunas. The criteria will be reviewed every year.

The report says there are risks involved with leaving the Blue Flag scheme, including the fact that some people may see it as a ‘downgrade’. It also points out that the ERBS would need to be brought in before the 2026 holiday season.

The board of the English Riviera BID, the bay’s tourist organisation, has given its full backing to the move away from the Blue Flags.

Torbay’s 2025 Blue Flag beaches were Breakwater, Broadsands, Meadfoot, Oddicombe, Preston and Torre Abbey Sands. Oddicombe has been awarded a Blue Flag every year since the scheme began 38 years ago.