Consultation set for plans to redevelop Paignton church site

Residents are being invited to have their say on plans to redevelop a derelict church site in Paignton into affordable housing for older people.

Torquay-based developer Boniface Community Homes will hold a public consultation on Thursday 19 March from 2pm to 7pm at Foxhole Community Centre on Belfield Road.

The drop-in event will give members of the community the chance to view proposals to redevelop the former St Boniface Church site, which has been derelict since 2022.

(Image courtesy: Google Street View)

Plans would see the disused church replaced with a three-storey building providing 25 one-bedroom affordable rent flats for people aged 55 and over.

The development would be built on brownfield land and aims to increase the supply of affordable housing in Torbay while also helping to free up larger homes for local families.

Visitors to the consultation will be able to review site plans and speak with members of the project team about the proposals.

According to the plans, all 25 flats would be built to national space standards, with three designed to be wheelchair accessible and including step-free access, wider doorways and larger circulation spaces.

The development would also include parking, a bike store, scooter storage and a communal bin store.

Ben Coggins, Director of Boniface Community Homes, said: “We’re pleased to announce that our public consultation event for St Boniface will be held on Thursday 19 March 2026. This is an opportunity for the community to have their say on Boniface Community Homes’ proposals for St Boniface Church, which has been left derelict for the last four years.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to turn a well-located site into high-quality, modern affordable homes for local people whilst freeing up housing stock elsewhere in the Bay for families who need them.

“At the drop-in event at Foxhole Community Centre, the team will be on-hand to answer any questions you may have about the St Boniface project and take you through the proposed designs. You will see for yourself how the design of St Boniface will complement the Foxhole/Kings Ash area of Paignton, acting as an extension of the community, with elevated flats benefitting from beautiful sea views.”

Members of the public will be able to submit feedback at the event or complete an online questionnaire when it launches on 19 March via the developer’s website. The consultation will remain open until 20 April.

The proposals were submitted to Torbay Council in December 2025 and are expected to be considered by the council’s planning committee on 30 April.