churston neighbourhood plan notes · churston neighbourhood plan notes...

Churston Neighbourhood Plan notes

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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 ..................................................................................................................... 76

7. Health and Social Services .......................................................................................... 87

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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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


1. The old village of Churston displays clear evidence of its medieval heritage. The lay-

out 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.


5. TBD

3. Environment and Conservation (review – mostly new)



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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.


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


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.

Formatted: Bullets and Numbering


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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


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.


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).


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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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


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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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.


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.


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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6. Economy


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.


3. The industries favoured by local residents: leisure, tourism and environment followed

by light industry.

4. Existing sites should be used, not greenfield sites.


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 re-

locate 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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7. Health and Social Services


1. Churston is served by Compass House which has a GP surgery in Galmpton.

2. National Health dentistry is not easily available.


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.


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


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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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


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


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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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)


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.


6. TDB


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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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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 ZonesAreas, 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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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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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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Appendix 3: Land Use

Map Code

Location Plan No of Houses

C1 Current site of golf club and 1st and 18th holes adjacent to Dartmouth Road

Retained as site for Golf Club house and car park and 2 golf fairways

C2 The entire golf course excluding C1 Golf Club fairways and practice area only. No building or car parks.

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

Community area and employment from tourism and leisure industries

C4 The field adjoining Green Lane and Bascombe Road

Village informal amenity space - no building

C5 The building behind Churston Court farm that is currently used for equestrian activities

Leave as is

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).

C9 Area adjacent to Adjacent to A3022 stretching from Alston Lane along the main road to the Lupton House entrance

Road improvements (widening) and footpath deferred since dependent on C24

C10 Corner of field adjacent to Ferrers Green and Churston Road

Amenity space and play area sited away from A3022

C11 The fields which form a green area between Churston and Brixham

Farmland

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 Churston Road and between Bascombe Road and the A3022

Flood management /control funded by s 106 from appropriate development

C15 Area in the vicinity of the Filling Station on the A3022 near the Dartmouth junction

Light industry including business incubation units.


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Map Code

Location Plan No of Houses

C16 First house on the left on the Dartmouth/Brixham Road after leaving Windy Corner in the direction of Brixham

Permission for 5 houses already granted in keeping with area

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 Churston Court Farm Buildings 9 Units already approved at Old Farm Buildings

9

C20 Walled area which includes tennis courts adjacent to Churston Court

Retain as is

C21 Area in the NE of Churston Road between the 4 recently build houses and railway embankment

Up to 3 Key Worker Units 3

C22 Land adjacent to Churston Road between Ferrers Green and A3022

Housing with density commensurate with Ferrers Green. Probably no more than 10 units

10

C23 Area on the right after the first building in Alston Road as you enter from the A3022

Leave as is

C24 Area on the left as you enter Alston Road from the A3022

Leave as is

C25 Area on the right in Alston Road as you enter from the A3022 – further up than C23

Ancillary development harmonious with existing buildings up to 3 units

3

C26 Adjacent to house in walled garden to SE of Alston Road

Ancillary development harmonious with existing buildings

C27 Area adjacent to A3022 between Elberry Lane and Churston Cross (sometimes referred to as the Piggeries)

Residential Development for up to 6 units within building line, Implemented in association C7 (footpath/cycleway).

6

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 Development of 1 additional dwelling 1

C32 The remainder of Orchard off Alston Road that is not included in C24

Leave as is

C33 Large field adjacent to Bridge Road Informal Amenity Space

C34 Ferrers Green Informal Amenity Space


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Total number of Houses = 56

Colour codes used on the map

blue leisure and tourism

purple informal amenity space

red additional housing

brown light industry

green agricultural, horticultural and woodland yellow AONB boundary


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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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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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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 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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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.

churston neighbourhood plan notes · churston neighbourhood plan notes...

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