Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1
1. History of Churston............................................................................................................ 1
2. Character of the Village ..................................................................................................... 2
3. Environment and Conservation (review – mostly new) .................................................... 2
4. Transport ............................................................................................................................ 4
5. Housing .............................................................................................................................. 5
6. Economy ............................................................................................................................ 7
7. Health and Social Services................................................................................................. 8
8. Leisure, Tourism and Sport................................................................................................ 8
9. Education (Need to incorporate Judith’s document) ....................................................... 10
Appendix 1: Neighbourhood Plan Core Principles.................................................................. 12
Appendix 2: Neighbourhood Plan General Principles ............................................................. 13
Appendix 3: Land Use ............................................................................................................. 15
Appendix 4: Churston Heritage ............................................................................................... 19
Appendix 5: Wind Turbines and Solar Arrays ........................................................................ 23
Introduction
This document is the Churston Neighbourhood Plan. Each section focuses on a different
topic and considers it as follows:
1. A description of the current characteristics;
2. Consultation evidence of community objectives; and
3. Resultant Neighbourhood Plan policies
This version focuses on content. Work needs to be done on improving the text and layout and
adding pictures.
1. History of Churston
Current Characteristics
1. Take a close look at Old Churston Village and you will find traces of events and times
that made our country what it is today. Early man was there, and so were Phoenician
traders. The Romans were followed by the Viking raiders. The Saxons laid the
foundations of the village we know today. This, in turn, was altered and expanded by
the Normans. The streets of Old Churston saw the passage of William, Prince of
Orange and his troops on their way to London after landing at near-by Brixham and
Churston Cove. The effect of the Enclosure Act followed by the Agricultural
Revolution can still be seen today. The Industrial Revolution has also left its mark.
Two World Wars brought about social, environmental and economic changes that still
affect the Village today. Old Churston can be thought of as a ‘micro-time’ capsule of
the development of England.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
2. What remains must be treated with utmost care and saved intact for future
generations.
3. Development must not detract from the existing historic character of the village and
must comply with the principles as set out in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.
2.
Character of the Village
Current Characteristics
1. The old village of Churston displays clear evidence of its medieval heritage. The layout and adjacent medieval strip fields reflect this period while the village now
contains many buildings from subsequent centuries.
2. The rest of Churston is characterised by openness and spaciousness, e.g:

Public views into and across the open fairways of Churston Golf course

The wide tree lined Warborough Road

The green and rural appearance of Green Lane

The large gardens of the properties surrounding the golf course

The farmland and green spaces throughout the village
Consultation Evidence
3. The residents of the village regard the green space with the resulting peaceful and
tranquil nature as its most important characteristic.
4. They also appreciate the beauty of the semi-rural environment, the local sea and
coastal views and the resulting wildlife (including the rare Cirl buntings and Greater
Horseshoe Bats) that resides in the area. This combines to make this area the `jewel in
the crown` of Torbay.
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
5. TBD
3. Environment and Conservation (review – mostly new)
Current Characteristics
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
1. The Churston Conservation Zone was established in 1970 with the specific aim of
protecting what remained of the old buildings that formed a ribbon development from
Alston Farm to Churston Court Farm along the line of Alston Lane and Churston
Road. This was the first conservation zone to be set up in Torbay. After the building
of Ferrers Green the Churston Conservation Area was expanded to its present
boundaries to give some protection to the medieval field systems that surround the
Village.
2. Churston’s green spaces support a wide variety of flora and fauna including rare
species that are protected by habitat regulations.
3. The area plays an important role in local food production and distribution.
4. The swathe of undeveloped land separating the Brixham parish boundary from the
villages of Churston and Galmpton plays a vital role in defining the character of the
area. This land, including the Lupton estate is deemed to be of "high landscape value
and is of heritage significance, particularly the village of Churston and its surrounding
countryside". On a negative note the old village of Churston is subject to flooding.
The problem also effects Bascombe Road and the medieval fields bordering Elberry
Lane.
Consultation Evidence
5. The strongest and most frequently voiced opinion of residents is to:

protect green space, food security, tranquillity, health and wellbeing for future
generations

remedy the flooding in an effective manner
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
6. It is important the appropriate environment is maintained (including cattle grazing)
for the preservation of the habitat for the Greater Horseshoe bat, cirl buntings and
other protected species.
7. Green space including farmland, the Harry Colt designed golf course and common
land should be maintained as a green buffer around the village of Churston. This
approach is supported by the “The Torbay Green Infrastructure Plan”. (Adam to
review)
8. In the absence of any other limiting factors and in order to offer safeguards to any
residential dwellings within the vicinity, permission to erect wind turbines and solar
arrays will only be supported where they are in accordance with the policies as set out
in Appendix A comprehensive report on the environment issues and aspirations of the
area are contained in “Neighbourhood Plan for Brixham with Broadsands, Churston
and Galmpton - The Environment.docx”. This provides more detail in support of
many of the points mentioned above.
9. To maintain the very special qualities that attract both people and abundant wildlife
to the area.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes




No loud speaker / tannoy systems to be used / installed within ..........m of residential
properties
No floodlights or sports lighting to be used / installed within................m of residential
properties
No all weather courts/ G3 Pitches to be installed except existing site at Churston
Grammar School, site C7 or within ..........................m of residential properties
No commercial concern to create more than …… decibels
4. Transport
Current Characteristics
1. The primary and secondary routes into Brixham both run through Churston. The only
other road routes contain long stretches of narrow country lanes
2. The routes also serve a significant amount of traffic from the South Hams, particularly
Kingswear and Dartmouth. This has increased as a result of the greatly enhanced
capacity and efficiency of the new Dartmouth upper ferry.
3. This results in a great deal of through traffic on a highly constrained network of roads.
This will increase as a result of any developments in Brixham and the South Hams.
4. This volume of traffic particularly stresses the existing road network when A3022 is
closed for maintenance or accident and traffic is forced to use the secondary route
through Churston through narrow country lanes not designed for the volume of traffic.
Consultation Evidence
5. The volume of traffic is a major concern of local residents both from the viewpoint of
road safety and the difficulty of moving around the neighbourhood (e.g. Alston to
Churston, and Churston to Galmpton).
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
6. For these reasons any development in Churston should be designed not to exacerbate
this, in particular:

Development should be spread out, avoiding any large concentrations of new
houses

New openings to the through routes should be avoided.
7. There needs to be an increased focus on Churston as a through route and the resulting
problems. The process for approval of developments that require access through
Churston should ensure allocation of funds to address the traffic problems (in a timely
manner) including the allocation of S106 to this area.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
8. Cycle routes should be preserved and pathways should be improved to encourage
these alternative forms of transport.
9. On the main road (the A3022) the approach will be to provide off road footpaths and
cycle paths – in particular the footpath past the Park and ride that ends at Elberry Lane
should be extended to Churston Village.
10. On Bascombe Road, being a historical country lane (1765 Donn Map), the presence
of walkers, schoolchildren, cyclists, and horse riders should be accepted. Ways to
make it safe for them will be encouraged including the introduction of a weight limit.
11. Solutions will be sought to make the exit from Alston Lane safe for walkers and road
users. This is of considerable importance as it is the designated Greenway Walk
linking the South Hams.
12. American Way / (Quay Lane) should be maintained as a historical footpath while
improving the surface where it gets extremely muddy and flooded in wet weather.
(see environment and history paper)
13. Traffic flows and bottlenecks should be taken into account in locating Park and Rides.
14. A holistic approach should be taken to addressing bottleneck at Windy Corner.
15. The possibility of an Electric Light Railway to run from the existing Park and Ride
site to the harbour side in Brixham will be assessed in terms of feasibility,
environmental impact, improvements to traffic flows and economic benefit to Torbay
and the Brixham Peninsula.
16. Ways to encourage the use of the steam railway for commuters will be investigated.
5. Housing
Current Characteristics
1. Old Churston lies predominately along Churston Road, but, for historical reasons, the
oldest part lies a little distance away adjacent to the Church. The west side of
Churston Road is dominated by stone built terraces of estate workers houses from
various periods of the development of the Churston Estate. Most are from the 18-19c.
The majority retain their original features of slate roofs, wooden windows and doors,
beach pebble floor yards, and small gardens to the front with larger ones for
vegetables etc. to the rear. A few small cottages from earlier periods are also to be
found on this side of Churston Road. This short stretch of road has no less than 24 of
the 31 grade 2 listed structures present in the Churston area as a whole.
2. The east side of Churston Road is dominated by post war housing including social
housing and Ferrers Green. The latter was built in 1980-81 in a way designed to create
the appearance of a ‘village’ that has developed over a period of time. New build
terraced housing next to the railway bridge have a rendered finish with tiled grey
roofs. The terrace ‘rural’ design and front gardens are sympathetic to the village
environment. Parking facilities are within wood barn style construction.
3. Elsewhere in Churston there are:
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes

1960s and 1970s Bungalows on spacious plots with gardens and parking.
Rendered finish, gentle pitched roofs of grey/ brown quarry tiles, clay tiles or
slate. Large windows and conservatories. Example : Green Lane.

Individual housing modern chalet style. 1960s, 1970s, some new build.
Rendered finish, stone detail, gentle pitched grey or brown roofs, large plots.
Pleasant tree lined, wide pavements, open street scene and ample green space.
Example: Warborough Road

Large individual detached family houses. Bordering the Golf Course. Some
seaward properties constructed in late 1920s -1930s. Mostly 1960s and 1970s
with additional new builds. Design style, rendered with local stone detail,
large panoramic windows, pitched roofs in grey/ brown quarry, clay tiles or
slate. Situated on good size plots with landscaping, driveways, parking and
garaging. Example: Bascombe Road and Links Close.
Consultation Evidence
4. The residents wish to preserve the open feeling of the area, avoid large scales
developments, avoid developments on green spaces and provide first time affordable
housing for local key workers.
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
5. Future developments should protect and enhance the area.
6. To help achieve this the principles set out in appendices 1 and 2 will be adhered to.
7. Key worker housing should be supplied to support economic development in the area
8. Development will be confined to the sites set out in appendix 3
9. The following developments do not conform to the plan and are thus not acceptable:

High density, overpowering, urban, unsympathetic, impersonal, soulless,
overdeveloped, multiple dwelling sites which bear no relation to Churston.

Sites that impose, block vistas and damage the cherished green environment
or history of the area.

Blocks of soulless urban apartments with lack of greenspace

High buildings, imposing structures with dominating high or steep roof pitches
and gable ends.

Sites that have dense parking, bin storage and limited trees or greenspace.
10. The proposed 132 dwelling development on 1/18 site Churston Golf Course is not
acceptable for the reasons stated above.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
6. Economy
Current Characteristics
1. A ‘thriving sound productive resident based local economy’. Residents have a range
of exceptional skills, qualifications and resources including national and international
experience. (Many have chosen to live in the area because of the quality of life
afforded by the local area).
2. Leisure and tourism including:

food, drink, accommodation

leisure activities such as the Cayman golf, battlefield live, steam railway, golf
course, horse riding and Go-carts (walking, cycling, archery?)

High value specialist businesses (such as Atlantic Spars and Rigging)

Farming, food production and sales including the award winning Farm Shop
and Garden Centre.
Consultation Evidence
3. The industries favoured by local residents: leisure, tourism and environment followed
by light industry.
4. Existing sites should be used, not greenfield sites.
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
5. To support resident based local economy it is important to:

maintain the character of Churston and avoid damaging the area with intense
development or loss of green space. This would drive out the very people we
wish to attract. Thus destroying the economy that plays an important part
bringing capital into Torbay and wider. Residents can easily choose to relocate to other areas and still run their business. Retaining entrepreneurial
highly skilled, residents in the area is considered a crucial part of the
Neighbourhood Plan in order to maintain a healthy and vibrant economy
which brings disposable income into the Bay.

provide high speed internet to the area to better facilitate the operation of
business activities which are unfettered by our area’s peninsular status.

create and support new businesses - business incubation units should be
encouraged and Section 106 agreements should not be allowed to inhibit
business start-ups.
6. Promote the importance of food security and food tourism that will play a major part
in the future economy of the Brixham Peninsula. Support plans to expand the farm
shop site and create a horticulture business.
7. The sites identified in appendix 3 are to be used for economic developments.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
7. Health and Social Services
Current Characteristics
1. Churston is served by Compass House which has a GP surgery in Galmpton.
2. National Health dentistry is not easily available.
Consultation Evidence
3. There insufficient GP availability in Galmpton surgery often resulting in a need to
travel the Brixham surgery which is inconvenient by public and private transport.
4. There are problems in seeing a doctor within 24 hours, except in an emergency.
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
5. Medical professionals should be approached on how to address these problems and to
understand what steps need to taken to cope with the proposed housing developments.
6. For the sake of social well being steps should be taken to improve community
integration. In particular the footpath adjacent to the A3022 running from Elberry lane
to Churston village should be a priority.
8.
Leisure, Tourism and Sport
Current Characteristics
1. Churston has facilities for

Golf

Tennis

Football

Archery

Horse Riding

Go Carts

Laser Shooting

Cayman Golf

Skate boarding
2. Popular further activities include:
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes

Bird watching

Bat detecting

Computer Clubs

Painting

Photography

Nature walks, flaura and fauna observation

Dog walking
As well as informal playing areas on the common land.
3. A number of designated walking and national cycle routes pass through Churston
connecting Brixham with Torbay and the South Hams
Consultation Evidence
4. The most popular leisure activities of local residents are walking followed by cycling.
The leisure and sporting facilities are considered adequate other than the wish for:

Better walking facilities, specifically the provision of footpaths to connect the
village to neighbouring areas.

Improved toilets

The provision of a trim trail

Cycle paths
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
5. The golf club is a major asset to the area.
6. The clubhouse should stay at its current location. According to Smith Leisure, the
leading golf course consultancy, the optimal location for the club house is its current
location. This is because of accessibility, prominent location and scope to expand on
the range of services to current members and non-members.
7. The historic course should be maintained on its current land in accordance with the
terms of the lease.
8. The Club should be encouraged to develop tourism by offering a greater number of
day tickets at a price affordable to visiting holiday makers. They should also be
encouraged to work in conjunction with local hotels in promoting golfing holidays.
The Golf Club should be encouraged to work together with the local residents.
9. Work with the Grammar School to enhance their sporting facilities on the existing site
and the identified adjacent field, for the use of the school and the community. Along
with the existing sports facilities this should meet all the sporting needs of the area.
10. The land between the farm shop site and Elberry Lane that is currently used for
leisure and tourism businesses should continue to be used for leisure activities.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Signage must be carefully considered and tasteful to reflect the rural area. Multiple
signage should be avoided.
11. These should be appropriate for a semi-rural area. They should harmonise with the
surrounding area and not disturb the peace and tranquillity of the area.
12. Support for walkers and cyclists should be encouraged as indicated in the transport
section and by any other suitable means.
13. The large field at Brokenbury should become an informal amenity space for locals
and should also be available for visitors.
14. Closer links for outdoor tourism, walking and wildlife observation will be encouraged
15. The area could be a major tourist attraction for visiting walkers and cyclists and
should be promoted by more signs, better signs, information boards and leaflets.
Tasteful signage must be in keeping with the rural area.
16. The popularity of Devon produced food will be built on and the use of locally sourced
food in the area encouraged.
9. Education (Need to incorporate Judith’s document)
Current Characteristics
1. Pre-school Provision. The Government is actively promoting nursery and preschool
education. There is no such provision, public or private, in Churston. Parents wishing
to use such facilities have to travel outside the area, invariably by car.
2. Primary School Provision. The nearest school is Galmpton. This is at, or near, it’s
maximum capacity. Children who cannot gain a place at Galmpton are offered places
at Brixham or Whiterock which necessitates a car journey. Reorganisation of primary
education in Brixham together with housing development in Brixham and Whiterock
could reduce the availability of places in schools to Churston children.
3. Secondary Education. Churston has one secondary school, Churston Ferrers Grammar
School. However, attendance is by examination and those not gaining admission
attend Paignton or Brixham Community College, with a small number going to
independent schools. Lack of direct assess by public transport, or safe cycle ways,
results in most children travelling by car.
4. Tertiary Education. Churston students have access to tertiary education at the
Grammar School, the Community Collages, and South Devon College. Increasing
number are travelling by their own car.
5. Open Space. Apart from Ferrers Green there is no place in Churston for children to
play safely, either supervised or otherwise. There is an urgent need for a recreational
type area with swings etc. for all ages.
Consultation Evidence
6. TDB
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Neighbourhood Plan Policies
7. The lack of adequate primary education facilities for future children of Galmpton,
Churston and Broadsands must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
8. Provision for the educational needs of any new residents should be made a the
planning stage of any future developments.
9. S106 payments generated by developments in our area should be used to provide safe
play areas for children.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Appendix 1: Neighbourhood Plan Core Principles
CP1
We have allocated sufficient sites in the Neighbourhood Plan for the next 20 years.
This means we have delivered the housing and other development needs of our
area. Further development will be contrary to the plan and be resisted.
CP2
The sequential speed at which allocated new housing sites are consented will be
required to match the delivery of jobs, infrastructure and other community facilities.
CP3
Windfall sites (non allocated sites for which development is sought during the plan
period) will be considered on their merits as substitutes for any allocated site which
may not come forward. In all events they must satisfy the same planning policies
which have already been applied to the allocated sites in the plan.
CP4
Our area has an unsatisfactory road network both by virtue of infrastructure and
geography. This impacts the economy of Brixham and our area. Development
could make this problem worse. A major consideration in any development will be
the impact on traffic flow and road infrastructure and community safety.
CP5
We are the current custodians of an important green wedge essential to separate
the urban settlement boundaries of Paignton and Brixham from merging into one
another. The protection and preservation of the Landscape Character of the area
will be a major consideration.
CP6
We will carry forward into the plan all environmental policies in the Devon Structure
Plan and previously Adopted Torbay Local Plan concerning particularly Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, Coastal Preservation Areas, Coastal Protection Zones,
Countryside Zones, Areas of Great Landscape Value, designated Conservation Areas
(including the Churston and the Galmpton Conservation Areas ) and any other locally
designated policies aimed at protecting or conserving landscape or coastal features
and heritage structures including agricultural areas and any locally designated
buildings of importance not on the Listed Building Register
(coastal preservation and protection are different/ marine/ land so need both)
CP7
Large areas of green space, including the significant coverage of the Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB), conservation areas, countryside zones, coastal
preservation areas, wildlife zones along with agricultural land, and the other green
spaces both urban and rural as allocated in our plan are all important and will be
given protection from any development.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Appendix 2: Neighbourhood Plan General Principles
GP1
The character of the surrounding area must be maintained. Development must be no
greater than the density immediately adjacent to the site (except to meet identified
Housing Need). The existing conservation area character appraisals will apply.
GP2
Over development whether by way of density, volume, height, visual impact or other
will be resisted.
GP3
No more than 5 properties to be built off an unadopted highway.
GP4
The use of local building materials and local tradesmen and builders merchants
needs to be encouraged. In respect of development of 2 units or more, the
developer will need to produce a statement setting out how this policy with
reference to the employment of Local tradesmen is to be satisfied. This will become
part of his S106 obligations.
GP 5
All allocated sites of 2 units or more will require a detailed ‘Access and Design’
statement prepared by the developer. This detailed document should cover layout,
transport, site access, building heights, design style and material finishes etc. as a
minimum.
GP6
We have a shortage of suitable key worker accommodation. Key workers are
persons who are at that time working in the community in a role which adds to the
sustainability of the community. This could be healthcare, agriculture, fisheries,
teaching, emergency services etc. Minimum floor space rules of the Local Plan will
not apply to Key Worker accommodation.
GP7
Developments of multiple units will provide a S106 contribution towards projects
resolving problems in the neighbourhood as set out in the Neighbourhood Plan.
GP8
Our area is home to a very diverse and in some cases highly rare and protected
species of wildlife. Any development which threatens to disturb the wildlife or its
habitat in any way will not be permitted.
GP9
Preservation of views and vistas, both to and from the sea, or the River Dart, The Bay
or to horizons and skylines, and which give rise to the character of the area will be
protected.
GP10 The appeal of our area for residents, wildlife and tourists is its peace and quiet.
Developments which could generate noise and light pollution will be resisted.
GP11 Local public footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways will be retained and improved.
New infrastructure will be created.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
GP12 Economic development should be unobtrusive and minimise impact on residential
areas and rural lanes, particularly by traffic generation or Heavy Goods Vehicles.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Appendix 3: Land Use
Map
Location
Plan
Code
C1 Current site of golf club and 1st and 18th holes Retained as site for Golf Club house and car
adjacent to Dartmouth Road
park and 2 golf fairways
No of
Houses
C2
The entire golf course excluding C1
C3
The area bounded by Dartmouth Road,
Bridge Road, Bascombe Road and Elberry
Lane (excluding C33, the sewerage works and
car sales area on Dartmouth Road
C4
The field adjoining Green Lane and Bascombe Village informal amenity space - no building
Road
C5
The building behind Churston Court farm that Leave as is
is currently used for equestrian activities
C6
The area off North Boundary Road adjacent
to the cricket club
Sport and amenity provision
C7
The field adjacent to Churston Grammar
School’s current playing fields
Additional sports facilities to be shared with
the community. Single story multipurpose
building adjacent to eastern boundary of
existing playing fields to facilitate indoor
sports including archery and shooting
C8
Footpath/Cycle path extending from Churston Cross to Elberry Lane / A3022 Road Junction
and along A3022 so as to avoid busy stretch of A3022 (main road leading to Brixham).
Area adjacent to Adjacent to A3022
Road improvements (widening) and footpath
stretching from Alston Lane along the main deferred since dependent on C24
road to the Lupton House entrance
C9
Golf Club fairways and practice area only. No
building or car parks.
Community area and employment from
tourism and leisure industries
C10 Corner of field adjacent to Ferrers Green and Amenity space and play area sited away from
Churston Road
A3022
C11 The fields which form a green area between Farmland
Churston and Brixham
C12 A field lying between the A3022 and
Copythorne Road
Horticulture
C13 An area alongside the existing barns to the
south of Copythorne Road
Farmyard
C14 Fields lying between Elberry Lane and
Flood management /control funded by s 106
Churston Road and between Bascombe Road from appropriate development
and the A3022
C15 Area in the vicinity of the Filling Station on
the A3022 near the Dartmouth junction
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Light industry including business incubation
units.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Map
Location
Code
C16 First house on the left on the
Dartmouth/Brixham Road after leaving
Windy Corner in the direction of Brixham
Plan
Permission for 5 houses already granted in
keeping with area
No of
Houses
5
C17 Plot between C15 (above) and the Weary
Ploughman
Up to 14 Key workers homes on area
adjacent to present garage
14
C18 The end of the smaller Brokenbury Field
nearest to Bascombe Road
5 residential units
5
C19
9 Units already approved at Old Farm
Buildings
9
Churston Court Farm Buildings
C20 Walled area which includes tennis courts
adjacent to Churston Court
Retain as is
C21 Area in the NE of Churston Road between the Up to 3 Key Worker Units
4 recently build houses and railway
embankment
C22 Land adjacent to Churston Road between
Housing with density commensurate with
Ferrers Green and A3022
Ferrers Green. Probably no more than 10
units
C23 Area on the right after the first building in
Leave as is
Alston Road as you enter from the A3022
C24 Area on the left as you enter Alston Road
Leave as is
from the A3022
3
10
C25 Area on the right in Alston Road as you enter Ancillary development harmonious with
from the A3022 – further up than C23
existing buildings up to 3 units
C26 Adjacent to house in walled garden to SE of
Alston Road
3
Ancillary development harmonious with
existing buildings
C27 Area adjacent to A3022 between Elberry Lane Residential Development for up to 6 units
and Churston Cross (sometimes referred to as within building line, Implemented in
the Piggeries)
association C7 (footpath/cycleway).
C28
Area within area C27
Derelict Garden to be included in
development with C27
C29 Area adjacent to Church Road adjacent to
Churston Court Farm
Leave as is
C30 Area on East side of Alston Lane adjacent to
C24
Leave as is
C31
Garden in Warborough Road
C32 The remainder of Orchard off Alston Road
that is not included in C24
Development of 1 additional dwelling
Leave as is
C33 Large field adjacent to Bridge Road
C34 Ferrers Green
Informal Amenity Space
Informal Amenity Space
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1
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Total number of Houses = 56
Colour codes used on the map
blue
purple
red
brown
green
yellow
leisure and tourism
informal amenity space
additional housing
light industry
agricultural, horticultural and woodland
AONB boundary
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Appendix 4: Churston Heritage
Churston Heritage
Churston Ferrers has a unique, diverse and fascinating history.
Residents of Churston are very proud of their heritage. During Viking times the Churston
Warriors manned by local tenant farmers and workers would assemble on land known as
`Churston Common` or `Galmpton Warborough` preparing for Viking invaders. At the time
of the Spanish Armada in 1588 a local militia assembled here, led by Sir John Gilbert of
Greenway, to help defend the local area from invasion. Even to this day the people of
Churston are known to be strong, proud and feisty, remaining steadfast in their determination
to protect the spectacular area from destruction and invasion.
Quay Lane/ American Lane
Also known as America Lane provided the Eastern section of an ancient trading route that
stretched from present day Churston Cove, Brixham to Stanborough Beacon and Halwell in
the South Hams. During the Bronze and Iron Age, Stanborough was the administrative centre
controlling much of this area before the development of Saxon Totnes. From Saxon times this
East / West route crossed the track between Saxon Paignton and Brixham where Saxon
Churston developed. Up until the Civil War this cross-road marked the site of the original
Churston Cross.
Numerous archaeological finds from the Neolithic Age onwards have been found along a
corridor of land associated with this route and now reside in Torquay and Exeter Museums.
These finds include copper ingots to flint arrow heads. It is recognised by the archaeological
world that Churston Cove and its route to Stanborough was an important trading link with
Mediterranean Phoenician commerce in pre-Roman times.
As time has passed, Quay Lane continued to be an important part of local community
infrastructure. It is highly probable that William of Orange’s army advanced along this route
en–route to Newton Abbot in 1688, before moving onward to Exeter and London to form
their Parliament. Later daily use of Quay Lane included a close association with local
quarries, limekilns and iron ore during Victorian Times. The route was also used extensively
by American forces during the Second World War.
Ancient Cross Roads/ Churston Cross/ Churston Church
The ancient manors of Churston and Galmpton were both recorded in the Domesday Book, a
population survey initiated by William the Conquerer in 1086. Churston was known as
Ceretone, a Saxon phrase meaning ‘the farm by the cross’.
In the 12th century, Benedictines monks from Totnes were responsible for serving both
Churston and ‘St Mary’s of Brixham’. Small essential lodgings were made above the South
West chapel to prevent constant journeying. The name Monksbridge Road continues today
conjuring up a picture of weary monks walking from Totnes to Brixham.
Four families have dominated the history of Churston – Bozun, Ferrers, Yarde and Buller.
Their heraldic shields are featured on a stained glass window in St. Mary the Virgin church. It
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
was built alongside the manor house as a private chapel for the Ferrers family who handed it
over to local parishioners in 1490. Churston like Galmpton was largely agricultural in feudal
times but by Victorian times other important industries had developed including quarrying of
local limestone for building material and the production of lime. .
Sir Humphrey Gilbert was baptised in Churston Church after being born in nearby Greenway.
He is well known as one of Britain’s greatest seafarers and to have taken possession of
Newfoundland in the name of Elizabeth 1 in 1583.
When the railway arrived at Churston in the 1860’s, Richard Harvey had acquired the manor
of Galmpton and lived at Greenway House. He improved Galmpton housing for its
inhabitants and made a generous donation towards the restoration of Churston’s medieval
church. A century later another Greenway owner worshiped there and from the proceeds of
one of her novels, Agatha Christie paid for a new stained glass window in 1955 which depicts
the Christmas story and life at Greenway. Agatha Christie loved looking at the stained glass
window on Sundays portraying her favourite colours mauve and pale green.
Churston Court
Seat of the ‘Lords of Churston’, then from 1303, ‘Lords of Churston Ferrers’, from its origins
during Saxon times. The present building continued the line of its predecessors and dates
from the early 17th century, during the lengthy ownership of the Ferrers family. Over
centuries its occupancy has ranged from the Lord of the Manor himself, elder son, dowager
residence or even tenants of high standing. Its status declined somewhat in 1788 when
Frances Buller purchased Lupton House as a more suitable residence for a man of his
standing. However it continued to play an important part in the lives of Lord Churston’s
family up until World War II. Up until mid Victorian times and the building of a new home
farm, Churston Court was structurally very much more entwined with the earlier farm
buildings, situated in and around the present car park area, all then demolished.
William Prince of Orange 1688
In November 1688 William Prince of Orange was rowed ashore to Brixham from his fleet of
700 vessels, followed by 15,400 men. The army began its long march to London after
sleeping in red clay fields in frost and rain. The route out of Brixham took them right
through Churston village, the houses of which were probably still along the road immediately
in front of Churston Court and the church. He rode between the church and what are now the
old Churston Farm buildings, where the original cobbles can still be seen. History describes
the troops with flying flags, bands, including 200 Finlanders or Laplanders in bearskins and
200 plantation blacks from America dressed in white fur and plumes of feathers.
Churston villagers were likely to have welcomed the passage of the Prince and his army.
There was little enough food for the small fishing and farming communities but it is said that
plentiful cartloads of Autumn apples were taken to vantage points to be rolled down the hill
to the encamped troops.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Torbay Council holds in its vaults an important rare painting of William Prince of Orange.
Lupton House
In 1086 Domesday Survey 4 acres of woodland were recorded on this site. The house can be
traced back to 1408 when an early version of it was built including a private chapel. In 1480
the Upton family settled there and their estate would have been written in French as
L’Uptons.
In 1772 Lupton House in its present state was built by Charles Mayne.
Lupton House was purchased in 1788 by Mr Justice Francis Yarde Buller for his important
status as a Judge. Churston Court was retained as the Dower House. Yarde Buller had a
powerful identity as one of the most influential men in the country. As judge he sent the first
criminal to Australia. He was known as ‘Judge Thumb’ after saying that ‘a man had the right
to beat his wife as long as the stick was no thicker than his thumb’
In 1926 a serious fire, possibly electrical, destroyed the house’s upper storey and interior of
Lord Churston’s residence. In a local newspaper it describes Churston village constable
seeing flames issuing from Lupton House. The caretaker Mr Maidmant, who resided in the
adjoining cottages ran out to help put out the increasing flames. Mrs Maidment ran in her
nightdress to the house of the estate warden about half a mile away then roused many of the
Churston Villagers. During her haste she lost her shoe in intense darkness and
arrived back at the house stockingless. Her son cycled to Brixham to summon the Police and
Fire Brigade. Sadly in 1928 another serious fire destroyed family heirlooms stored in the
stables.
In more recent times, The Prince of Wales lunched at Lupton in July 1932 after inspecting the
new Brixham Lifeboat.
Muslim leader Ali Khan known as ‘the playboy prince’ married the daughter of Lord
Churston 3rd Baron and their son the Aga Khan was born in 1936. The couple divorced and
the prince later married Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth.
Churston Railway 1861
The Dartmouth and Torbay Railway from Paignton station to Churston was opened for
passengers on 14 March 1861 and for goods on 1 April 1861. The station was known as
Brixham Road at the time and the line was extended to Kingswear railway station on 16
August 1864. The initial single platform was supplemented by a second in 1865. The
Dartmouth and Torbay Railway was always operated by the South Devon Railway Company
and was amalgamated with it on 1 January 1872. This was only short lived as it was in turn
amalgamated into the Great Western Railway on 1 February 1876. The two miles of the
Brixham branch line from Churston Station were opened on 1st January 1868. This line
actually passed through the village.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Churston Ferrers Village
Amongst other feudal activities, tenants of Lord Churston provided various services to
Brixham, including making the baskets for the fisheries used to carry their catch.
Agatha Christie
Crime novelist Agatha Christie owned Greenway from 1939 until her death in 1976. Local
settings were used in many of her books; notably `The ABC Murders` where detective
Hercule Poirot alights at Churston Station to investigate a murder at Elberry Cove. It is
believed that her book ‘Murder on the Links’ was influenced by the setting at Churston Golf
Course. In the 1930’s Agatha Christie was a regular visitor to Churston Court and cook
Gladys Lewton recalls how Agatha would visit the kitchen to thank the staff for a wonderful
meal.
Churston Golf Course
The original Golf Course began on land that now forms Churston Common. The course was
later moved across the road to the seaward side of Churston. However, a very important part
of the ancient course still remains to this day. The land of the 1st and 18th hole is the historic
land that has been used for playing golf since 1890. Records show that Charles Gibson
designed the course in 1896. In 1923 Harry Shapland Colt (arguably the finest Golf Course
architect who ever lived) re-designed the course as it is today. Colt’s courses include
Sunningdale, Wentworth, Stoke Park and famous courses in America, Canada and Australia.
The book Colt & Co has a photograph of Churston Golf Course on the cover with a foreword
by Sir Denis Thatcher. The Colt Association continues to promote the work of Harry Colt as
golfing enthusiasts travel worldwide to play on his courses.
The Common
Galmpton Warborough is Torbay’s greatest remaining open area of historical antiquity. The
name ‘Warborough’ is derived from its Saxon origins when it formed a Saxon defensive
position where they would gather to challenge any potential Viking raid. In July 1588, Sir
John Gilbert of Greenway, Deputy-Lieutenant of the County of Devon, gathered together a
militia force of over 1000 men here, in readiness to repel a Spanish landing. During the build
up to D Day the common became a military depot for the American army. In the 1930’s
Warborough was given to the local community under the trusteeship of the local council.
Bathing House for Lord Churston
Lord of the Manor Lord Churston, lived at Lupton House with his dower house at Churston
Court. At nearby Elberry Cove stands the ruins of an 19th century Bath House where he and
his guests took a cold dip after sweating it out in a saltwater hot tub. Servants from Churston
Court were sent down to the Bath House at dawn to light the fires to heat the water. The Bath
House was recorded on tithe maps in 1840, prior to that it was likely used as a smoke house
for the local pilchard catch.
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Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes
Appendix 5: Wind Turbines and Solar Arrays
1. Wind Turbines and Solar Arrays will only be permitted where they comply with
minimum distance requirements from residential dwellings. In the absence of any
HM Government guidance which from time to time be in force with greater distance
requirements in place, the following standards shall be applied:
a. Wind Turbines - If the height of the wind turbine generator, measured from
the ground to the end of the blade tip at its highest point, is:

25m, the minimum distance requirement is 350m;

100m, the minimum distance requirement is 1000m;

Between 25m and 100m, the minimum distance requirement is
prorated between (i) and (ii) above, according to its height; or

Greater than 100m, the minimum distance requirement is projected
beyond (i) and (ii) above, according to its height.
b. Solar Arrays - TBD.
2. In all cases renewable energy proposals shall as a minimum accord with HM
Government guidelines and planning regulations and CPRE best practice guidelines.
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