Plymouth’s historic Barbican area is set to welcome a new residential development on the site of a former public house. The once-thriving Royal Highlander pub, now a derelict structure, will be replaced with a new dwelling, following approval from the city council. The location, nestled on one of Plymouth's oldest streets, has long been an abandoned space, surrounded by ancient stone walls.

Plans for the new development have been given the green light by the local authorities, but a Variation of Condition 1 has been proposed to amend certain aspects of the design. The revised proposal includes changes to the roof structure, internal floor heights, and the building's layout, aiming to create a modern and functional home while maintaining the historical integrity of the site.

The original planning application, submitted by Andrew Cotterell in 2021, included plans for a residential property at the 1-2 Highland Cottages site. However, updated plans, submitted by developer John Steven, offer modifications to better suit the property's unique features and historical significance.

At the heart of this development is the site's rich history. The Royal Highlander pub, a popular venue in its time, was converted into cottages before being abandoned many years ago. Situated at the top of New Street, near the Citadel, the building has since fallen into disrepair. The ruins, which include a prominent stone wall on the northern and western elevations, are now part of the Barbican Conservation Area, a historically significant region of the city.

The development will preserve some of the existing stone walls on the site, integrating them into the design of the new home. The ground floor is planned to house parking and office space, while the first floor will feature a U-shaped living area centered around an outdoor courtyard.

Historical records, such as an OS map from 1879, show that the site once operated as a pub. However, by the 1890s, it had been divided into two cottages. Although the current structure is in ruins and not structurally sound, the site offers an opportunity for rejuvenation while respecting its historical context.

The council has recommended installing an enclosed bat box within the fabric of the building, in line with environmental considerations. This measure ensures that the redevelopment aligns with sustainability goals, even in a historically rich area like the Barbican.

As the project moves forward, the development promises to bring new life to this quiet corner of Plymouth, blending the old with the new in a thoughtful and respectful manner.