‘Stop Plymouth’s land grab’ - MP fights plan to take over Dartmoor and South Hams

Communities across Dartmoor have backed a petition in Parliament to stop Plymouth City Council from taking over 13 parishes currently within South Hams District Council.

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, formally presented the petition to the House of Commons on Monday 15 September. 

Nearly 1,800 people signed it, calling on the Government to reject Plymouth’s proposal to expand its boundary.

The Government is reviewing local government structures across England, with a focus on creating larger unitary councils. 

Plymouth City Council has suggested what it describes as a “modest expansion,” which would transfer parishes including Ivybridge, Bickleigh, Shaugh Prior, Sparkwell, Cornwood, Harford, Ugborough, Ermington, Yealmpton, Holbeton, Newton and Noss, Wembury, and Brixton into the city’s control.

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Several of the parishes affected, including Ivybridge, Shaugh Prior, Cornwood, Harford and Ugborough, lie on or around the edge of Dartmoor, raising concerns that communities closely linked to the moor could be brought under Plymouth’s control

South Hams District Council has submitted a different plan, known as the “1-4-5 proposal.” 

This would keep Plymouth as a standalone authority, join South Hams with Teignbridge, West Devon and Torbay, and group East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter into a further authority.

In her statement, Ms Smith said: “South Hams District Council has listened and come up with another way forward that keeps South Hams out of Plymouth. I launched a petition to give local residents a say and stop Plymouth’s land grab. I am grateful for all those who took part in just a few short weeks with just under 1,800 signatures. This will force the Government to listen to concerns and respond.”

Earlier this year, more than 500 people from across South West Devon responded to a survey about council reorganisation, with most opposing Plymouth’s boundary change. 

By presenting the petition in Parliament, the Government is now required to give an official response.