South Hams District Council rejects Plymouth's boundary expansion proposal

The Leader of South Hams District Council has firmly rejected Plymouth City Council's controversial plans to expand its boundaries into parts of the South Hams.

On 12 March 2025, Plymouth City Council unveiled proposals to extend its jurisdiction into 13 South Hams parishes, potentially absorbing around 30,000 residents into the city's administrative area. This move follows the Government's recent White Paper on devolution and local government reorganisation, which aims to streamline council structures across the country.

The proposed boundary change has drawn criticism from South Hams District Council, which argues that Plymouth’s predominantly urban authority is ill-suited to oversee rural communities.

In response to the proposals, Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, voiced his strong opposition: "I do not support the extensive land grab by Plymouth in the South Hams. Perhaps someone could explain to me how an urban city council is best placed to deliver services in a rural area? The whole thing is a nonsense. If Plymouth wants to expand it should look west to Saltash and Tor Point. Government says it wants us to find better ways of delivering local services. This will do exactly the opposite."

Cllr Brazil has already met with representatives from the 13 affected town and parish councils to provide information about Plymouth’s proposals and address any concerns.

A further meeting is scheduled for Thursday 27 March, where South Hams’ town and parish councils will receive updates on both Plymouth's plans and the alternative proposals being developed by the seven Devon District Councils in response to the Government’s restructuring initiative.

The Government’s White Paper on devolution aims to improve efficiency and collaboration between councils. However, South Hams District Council maintains that the proposed expansion would undermine efforts to deliver effective local services in rural communities.

For further information, residents and stakeholders can contact South Hams District Council at 01803 861368 or via email at communications@swdevon.gov.uk.