Plymouth City Council is set to discuss plans that could significantly expand the city by incorporating 13 parishes on its outskirts. The proposal would add 29,000 people to the city’s population and is being hailed as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' for local growth and development.

The extension, known as the 'Plymouth Growth Area,' includes areas currently part of the South Hams District Council. The affected parishes are Bickleigh, Shaugh Prior, Sparkwell, Brixton, Wembury, Cornwood, Harford, Ugborough, Ivybridge, Ermington, Yealmpton, Holberton, and Newton and Noss.

This expansion would bring Plymouth’s total population to 300,733, with 12,000 households added. The proposal will be discussed at a full council meeting on Monday, March 17, followed by a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, March 19. An interim business plan is scheduled for submission to the Government on March 21.

Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, emphasized the significance of the reorganisation: 'This is a pivotal moment for Plymouth and our neighboring parishes. The reorganisation will strengthen Plymouth’s identity, improve public services, create jobs, and deliver much-needed housing. This move is essential for our city’s long-term financial sustainability.'

Evans added that the recent Government devolution white paper highlighted the need to move away from the two-tier council structure in Devon. He also noted that many residents in the proposed expanded area already have strong ties to Plymouth, which would allow for a streamlined delivery of services, from waste collection to education.

The expansion plan also ties into the Government’s broader devolution strategy, which aims to establish a South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority, encompassing Plymouth, Cornwall, Devon, and Torbay. This regional authority would serve a population of 1.8 million people, helping to drive growth in the area.

Despite some complexities in the proposal, including negotiations with Devon County Council and Torbay Council, the plan aims to create a strong growth alliance in the South West. The creation of unitary councils in Devon, along with Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, would form the basis of a future South West Peninsula Mayoral Authority.

The council remains committed to collaborating with local communities to ensure that the proposed reorganisation reflects their needs and aspirations. Over the coming months, detailed business cases will be developed, and input from parish councils and local stakeholders will be sought.

This bold proposal is seen as a crucial step towards securing Plymouth’s future as a thriving and sustainable city, while also providing significant benefits to its residents.