THE company behind Exeter’s award-winning Greendale Farm Shop is poised to take over Occombe Farm on the outskirts of Paignton, with ‘glamping’, indoor play areas and sports courts among its plans.

Up to 200 jobs could be created if the plan goes ahead.

The Paignton farm attraction, its shop and cafe have been closed since the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust collapsed last year, and all its contents were sold at auction in the winter.

Now Torbay Council’s cabinet is poised to hand the keys to Occombe to the Exeter company for a price that will be above the site’s market value. No figure has yet been disclosed.

Torbay Council, along with its grounds and maintenance company SWISCo, resumed management of the Occombe site and the neighbouring land in December.

Greendale plans to reopen the business and bring forward a detailed proposal to enhance the site with leisure and retail facilities. The company would also take on the management of farm and woodland areas around Occombe, including those protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Greendale’s ‘powered by cow poo’ farm shop on the Sidmouth Road has a cafe, a sauna, farm trails and a programme of events which includes a weekly parkrun. The company behind the business is already active in Torbay through its partnership with sister company Waterdance, which has a fleet of fishing trawlers operating from Brixham Harbour.

It says its vision for Occombe Farm includes an indoor play area alongside a farm shop and café that champions locally-sourced food and produce, supports local businesses, stimulates economic growth and minimises the carbon footprint.

It also says the land and buildings could be developed to include indoor sports courts among facilities to promote wellness.

In the longer-term and subject to planning permission, it also plans a glamping holiday ‘retreat’.

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 will be considered by the cabinet on June 9.