'Pivotal moment' for city as expansion proposed

COUNCIL AIMS TO EXPAND INTO 13 PARISHES ON CITY'S EDGES

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

PLANS are to be discussed which would see Plymouth expand and swallow up a huge chunk of Devon. Plymouth City Council will next week debate taking over areas in 13 parishes on the outskirts of the city and adding 29,000 people to the population.

The council called the proposed local government reorganisation "bold" and a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to secure the future of the city and improve the quality of life for residents, including those in the proposed extension.

The "Plymouth Growth Area" proposes a "modest" extension to take in 13 parishes currently within the South Hams District Council area. These are Bickleigh, Shaugh Prior, Sparkwell, Brixton, Wembury, Cornwood, Harford, Ugborough, Ivybridge, Ermington, Yealmpton, Holberton and Newton and Noss.

The total population of this extended area including Plymouth would be 300,733. This extended area includes 12,000 households and 29,000 people.

The proposal goes to a full council meeting on Monday, March 17, and then to the cabinet on Wednesday, March 19. An interim business plan would be submitted to the Government on Friday, March 21.