Plan for 10,000 new city homes welcomed

PLYMOUTH politicians have welcomed Government plans to build a "new town" of 10,000 homes in the city centre. City council leader Tudor Evans called it "a huge moment for Plymouth" and MP Luke Pollard said it was "more good news for Plymouth".

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

Housing Secretary Steve Reed announced plans for 12 new towns in a speech on the opening day of the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. Under the plans, Plymouth is to have a "dense development" of 10,000 homes.

Plymouth City Council has already published a "vision" for that number of homes in the city centre. Meanwhile, The Herald this month revealed architects had been commissioned to look at building 30 tower blocks in central Plymouth.

The council responded to the Government's announcement that a New Towns Commission had recommended Plymouth for one of the next generation of new towns by calling it "a bold and exciting new chapter for the city's future".

The authority said it will now work with the Government as they undertake final assessments and "make a decision early next year.

The new towns are large-scale, planned communities designed to meet housing demand, unlock economic growth, and create thriving places to live. The Plymouth new town is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, alongside vital infrastructure such as schools, healthcare, transport links and green spaces.

The council said that during the past year, Plymouth has worked closely with the New Towns Commission, welcoming visits from commissioners to hear directly about the city's ambitious plans.

A council spokesperson said: "Their recognition of Plymouth's potential is a powerful endorsement of Plymouth's vision and the city's readiness to deliver."

Last month,