Bishopsteignton is a large village, on the banks of the Teign Estuary. It is located 2 miles from Teignmouth and 4 miles from Newton Abbot. The village lies on the slopes of Haldon and Faldon hills, which offer it some protection from southerly and easterly winds. Bishopsteignton offers all the facilities that would be expected of a village of its size. These include a village shop, post office, chemist, garage, garden centre, vineyard, pubs, hotel and restaurant. The village has 3 churches (Church of England, Methodist and Gospel) and public halls which regularly host clubs and public events.

The parish of Bishopsteignton extends as far as Broadmeadow (the boundary with Teignmouth), along the estuary to Wear Farm, and up onto the top of Haldon Hill. The 2001 Census put the local population at just under 2500 people. The village has grown significantly over the past 100 years or so, as shown by the census of 1931, which put the population of the parish at 1175.

This population growth can be understood when you walk around the village. The original parts of the village are occupied primarily by 18th and 19th century buildings, but there has been significant development since the early 1930s to the present day. Many of the newer properties in the village have been built to maximise their panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and river scape.

Bishopsteignton's historic character is recognised, in that there are conservation areas within the village boundary. Back in 2000, Teignbridge District Council produced a Conservation Area Character Appraisal for Bishopsteignton. This gives background information about the origin of some of the buildings, the architecture visible in the village. This document can be downloaded from Teignbridge District Council Conservation Area Character Appraisal for Bishopsteignton. A further dossier detailing the types of stone used to construct various buildings in the village, entitled 'The Building Stones of Bishopsteignton Parish' has also been written by Mr M Barr, who is studying the building stones of Devon and Somerset. Please note that these are PDF documents and you will need to have appropriate software installed on your computer to open it. Such software can be downloaded, free of charge from Adobe Reader or Foxit Reader. (These links will open in a new window.)

Bishopsteignton Village Design Statement

An additional document that may be of interest is the Bishopsteignton Village Design Statement. This document is intended to inform and advise Planners, Developers and other concerned organisations and individuals. The Village Design Statement (VDS)was written in 2006 by a team designated by Bishopsteignton Parish Council. The Team Members were: Freddie Best,Tony Corlett, Karen Fletcher, Simon Fletcher, Graeme Fuell, Brian Hall and Alyson Haynes.

The statement was produced subsequent to the preparation of a Parish Plan in 2004/2005, during which, issues to do with housing and the built environment emerged as a major concern. Consultation took place locally during 2006 through an extensive survey of residents and an open event. The advice of Planners at Teignbridge District Council was also sought. This document will be subject to periodic review and has been submitted to Teignbridge District Council with the request that it be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance, (consultation ongoing). The VDS provides as a secondary facility, a visual record of Bishopsteignton at this point in time, and contains over 50 photographs, illustrations and maps relating to the village.

A high-resolution version is available, (print quality), contact: simon@spinnacre.co.uk.

About Village Design Statements:
A Village Design Statement sets out clear and simple guidance for the design of all development in a village, based on its character. It is an advisory document produced by the village community, not by the planning authority. It will not stop change from happening, but it can help affect how any new building fits into the village. VDS's are intended to influence the operation of the statutory planning system, so that new development is in harmony with its setting and makes a positive contribution to the immediate environment.

A Village Design Statement is unlike any other planning document. It gives planning advice directly applicable to the statutory planning system and is entirely community based.

Quote taken from: Natural England / Countryside Agency website 14 May 2007.