The grounds of a landmark hall may be set for a transformative redevelopment, new plans lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council show. The proposal envisions repurposing outbuildings at Churton Hall Farm into 10 new domestic residences around a courtyard, with dedicated office spaces crafted from an old hayloft to facilitate home working.
Furthermore, the project includes establishing a care farm aimed at offering support to individuals facing physical or mental challenges, operating under a not-for-profit CIC structure for community and educational benefits. Recently, the council approved a separate proposal to divide the Grade II listed Churton Hall, in the village of Churton, into two distinct dwellings, enhancing the site which features a blend of Elizabethan and Victorian architecture.
Additionally, the development is intended to house an office for Barnston Estate, stewarding over 1,800 acres and responsible for Churton Hall Farm. Ed Barnston, Estate Manager, commented: “We have a responsibility to protect historic Churton Hall Farm for future generations. The site contains listed buildings and doing nothing is not an option.”
“Churton Hall itself is the oldest house on the Estate and parts of it have been dated to the 15th Century. We have consulted with parish councillors and the village closely on our plans over the last couple of years and we believe they offer an exciting future for the site and one that ensures that it continues to be of huge importance to people living and working in Churton, Farndon and other neighbouring villages.”
“We are particularly excited by the plans to create a care farm which would include a restored walled garden, grow house and an educational and community hub. We’re also planning to introduce British Longhorn Cattle on to the land. It would provide opportunities for different groups, such as schoolchildren and those in respite care, to spend time outdoors, learning about the land, growing organic produce, caring for livestock and getting their hands dirty.”, reports Cheshire Live.
“Our hope is that it would become a place that supports mental and physical wellbeing. Care farming is increasingly recognised by health, specialist education and social care commissioners for delivering a professional, quality service to a range of service user groups. We are passionate about the plans that have been submitted and success will depend on a true partnership approach including the local authority, Historic England and others.”
The Barnston Estate, in collaboration with Chester-based firms Raise Architects and Land Studio, has developed plans for a new access off Chester Road. The proposal includes regenerative landscape design and management plans to boost existing biodiversity, diversifying flora to attract more wildlife.
Nature-led strategies will be implemented to provide nesting spaces for birds and bat roosts within the converted farm buildings and their surrounding landscape.
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