A CHURCH in Chudleigh is looking to improve access for wheelchair users.

Submitted by the PCC of St Martin and St Mary's church, the planning application - reference 26/00254/FUL - is seeking permission for a new ramp leading from the car park and a new door at the south entrance.

The application is also seeking permission for solar panels.

Teignbridge Council are due to make a decision by June 17.

The existing ramp at the south entrance is situated to the right of the external door, so a wheelchair user arriving at the car park would need to go along a narrow path then turn a tight 180 degree bend to align with the ramp.

The proposal turns the ramp and steps around so that a wheelchair can come straight from the car park up the ramp and enter via a single, wider door.

The heritage statement says: ‘The project will enhance the facilities and historic significance of the building, allowing the development of existing activities and appreciation of the architecture of this popular church and will create opportunities to engage the community further, which will help with the building’s long-term conservation and strengthen the life of the town’.

The church of St Martin and St Mary is a Grade I listed church, consecrated in 1259, but altered over the centuries thereafter.

The church is set in a large church-yard that adjoins the main street, which was formerly the main road from Exeter to Plymouth

For more information, and to comment on the application, visit Teignbridge Council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/00254/FUL’ into the search-box.