Plymouth announces plans to expand

Plymouth City Council has unveiled bold plans for a significant reorganisation of local government, which could change the city's boundaries.

The council believes this expansion will improve services for all residents, including those in neighbouring areas. 

The proposal includes an expansion that will encompass parts of southern Dartmoor and extend the city's geographical boundaries to include 13 neighbouring parishes: Bickleigh, Shaugh Prior, Wembury, Brixton, Sparkwell, Cornwood, Harford, Ugborough, Ivybridge, Ermington, Yealmpton, Newton and Noss, and Holbeton. 

This expansion would add approximately 30,000 new residents, forming part of the Plymouth Growth Area initiative.

The council’s preferred option, the Plymouth Growth Area, proposes extending the city's geographical boundaries to include the 13 neighbouring parishes. 

This expansion would see the city’s administrative structure adjusted to “create a more cohesive and efficient local government structure for the City, better equipped to meet the needs of our growing population,” Plymouth City Council stated on their website.

The proposal comes as part of the UK government's White Paper on devolution and local government reorganisation, which aims to decentralise power and bring it closer to communities.

Under the current system in Devon, local government is divided into a two-tier structure, which the Government has called to end. 

In response, Plymouth City Council is seeking to expand its administrative boundaries to better support the city’s future growth and deliver more efficient services.

A Full Council meeting will be held on 17 March 2025 to discuss the key principles of the boundary extension and the various available options. 

This will be followed by a Cabinet meeting on 19 March, before the interim business case is submitted to the Government by 21 March.

In response to the proposed changes, Rebecca Smith MP, Member of Parliament for South West Devon, has expressed concerns about the speed of the process. 

She believes that the Labour Government is rushing the decision and has launched a survey to gather the views of her constituents on the proposal.

Rebecca Smith MP, Member of Parliament for South West Devon, stated: “Whilst the removal of two-tier councils such as Devon County and South Hams/West Devon District Councils is effectively a done deal, how local councils are reorganised is not. It has become clear that the Labour Government is rushing the entire process, and I will be pushing to ensure enough time is given to make the right decisions.”

Ms Smith expanded on three key points which should concern any expansion of the city of Plymouth:

“Any plans must not be a Plymouth land grab. It must be done collaboratively and ensure the final decision is in everyone’s best interests. Every part of South West Devon - communities in Plymouth, the South Hams and West Devon - all need to feel future benefits.

“Your voices are crucial. That is why I have launched a survey to collect the views of affected residents and am calling on Plymouth City Council to ensure a full consultation with local councils, residents, businesses and other organisations right across the constituency. The voices of South West Devon must be listened to not just by Plymouth City Council, but by the Government as they make their decisions.

“Decisions must balance financial benefits with local identity and community. Any decision will have an impact on local identity and community so must be based on reality and not hoped-for financial efficiencies. Data shows that the cost saving the Government wants to see will only be reached in councils of 500,000 or more. Plymouth’s current plan is for a council of 300,000. Evidence of the financial benefits for all must be provided as Plymouth City Council consults with communities.”

As the consultation period begins, Plymouth City Council is urging all residents, local councils, and businesses to engage in the process and share their views