Expansion of city's boundaries must not become a 'land grab'

PLANS which would see Plymouth expand and swallow up a huge chunk of Devon have been slammed as a “land grab” and “nonsense”.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

Politicians in the South Hams and South West Devon are opposing Plymouth City Council’s proposal to expand into 13 parishes on the outskirts of the city and add 29,000 people to the population.

Both the Lib Dem leader of South Hams District Council, Julian Brazil, and South Devon’s Tory MP Rebecca Smith have voiced concerns about the potential move. Cllr Brazil said Plymouth should look at expanding into Cornwall instead.

Cllr Brazil said: "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 Torpoint. The Government says it wants us to find better ways of delivering local services. This will do exactly the opposite."

Ms Smith said: "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."

She added: "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."