Devonport Dockyard expansion plans will see historic buildings demolished

The plans for Oceangate are part of the next phase of the ‘revitilisation’ of the upper dockland area, but have sparked outrage.

Plans for to knock down two dockyard buildings to make room for industrial units at Devonport Dockyard have been submitted. The plans for Oceangate are part of the next phase of the ‘revitilisation’ of the upper dockland area, but have sparked outrage.

Volunteers at Devonport Naval Heritage Centre called the proposed demolition “senseless cultural vandalism” which “treads all over Plymouth’s naval heritage”. But volunteers who run the centre, which records the role the dockyard played supporting the navy during wartime, said tearing down the buildings will mean they lose a cafe, toilets, exhibits space, workshops, a lecture room and most of its car park.

The council though said the demolition is necessary to make room for the expansion of the Oceansgate freeport area - and stressed the Naval Heritage Centre does not have to close and can remain in other buildings.

The council said it is preparing to submit a planning application to extend the Oceansgate complex, stressing this has been in the pipeline for almost a decade. A council spokesperson said: “We are looking to finally take ownership of these buildings for a redevelopment programme that has been on the cards since 2015 under the City Deal – an agreement between the Government, the MoD and the council.

“The plan is to demolish these buildings – which are not listed – to pave the way for new light industrial units for the next phase of Oceansgate. Other buildings being used by the centre remain. As part of the deal the council is paying £367, 000 compensation to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation for the two buildings and parking that we require to deliver the next phase of development.”

The spokesperson said Oceansgate has proved to be “a phenomenally successful location” and this next phase will form part of the freeport tax site and added: “We have already had interest from companies looking to move to a location with links to some of the biggest marine companies in the UK such as Babcock Marine and Princess Yachts International.”

A statement with the planning application, submitted to Plymouth City Council this week, says: “Oceansgate Phase 3.1 builds upon the success of its initial phases, which have revitalized the upper dockland area, fostering a vibrant environment for innovation and collaboration among Plymouth’s marine businesses. The establishment of offices and industrial units has effectively attracted skilled jobs to the region. This upcoming phase will further enhance the development by introducing two additional industrial buildings, continuing the momentum of growth and opportunity in this key area.

“The proposed scheme consists of two buildings containing industrial space across the ground and mezzanine floors. The concept integrates the building’s form, scale, and function to reflect the needs of future tenants, while its architectural design prioritises innovative sustainability solutions that contextually fit into the surrounding area. The chosen materiality of the proposed design, addresses embodied carbon concerns. Furthermore, operational energy efficiency has been considered with high fabric standards, all-electric systems, renewable energy generation through the installation of PV panels, and EV charging infrastructure for each unit.

“Overall, the proposals represent a thoughtful and balanced approach to development, aiming to create a harmonious and sustainable environment that meets the needs of present and future users.”

Plymouth City Council planners will determine the fate of all the new applications listed below at a later date.

Below is the full latest list of planning applications that have been submitted this week.

Plymouth planning list

· Condition Discharge: Conditions 37 (Drive-thru Management Plan and Review) & 40 (Ventilation and Extraction) of application 22/00129/FUL - Land At Former Seaton Army Barracks Parade Ground William Prance Road Derriford Plymouth PL6 5ZD - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SKD6IZMMJPA00&activeTab=summary

· Removal of existing side garage and the construction of a two-storey side extension - 22 Quarry Park Road Plymstock Plymouth PL9 7BB - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SKB94IMMJO400&activeTab=summary

· Conversion of bungalow to two storey house. Garage with workshop above - 3 Hazel Grove Plymouth PL9 8DW - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SKBSJJMMJOO00&activeTab=summary

· Reserved matters approval for access, appearance, landscaping, layout, & scale, for South Yard Phase 3.1 of the marine industries production campus to include two industrial units with associated parking and landscaping (following outline approval 14/02269/OUT - Devonport Dockyard, South Yard, (Areas 1 And 5) Devonport Plymouth - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK9Y9QMMJNM00&activeTab=summary

· Demolition and replacement of rear coach house and change of use of existing property to provide 4no. flats (Class C3) and central courtyard - 10 Elliott Road Plymouth PL4 9NJ - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK9SK2MMJNE00&activeTab=summary

· Provision of roof terraces to serve flats with associated access - 163 - 191 Stuart Road Plymouth PL1 5LQ - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK9PL6MMJN800&activeTab=summary

· Increase in height to ceiling/roof of rear extension and ASHP shown - 1 Wain Park Plymouth PL7 2HU - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK69XPMMJLS00&activeTab=summary

· Pre-application advice on application 24/01156/FUL - 14 Staddon Park Road Plymouth PL9 9HG - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK9S90MM08H00&activeTab=summary

· Internal fit-out works to Building B - Tinside Pool, Hoe Road Plymouth PL1 3DE - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK9K0LMMJN200&activeTab=summary

· Pre-application for roof replacement to the heritage museum (former pay office and guardhouse for dockyard) - 3 Holmans Buildings Plymouth PL1 4NX - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK9UY1MM08O00&activeTab=summary

· Window alterations, installation of rooflights, layout alterations, part-removal of ceiling and various internal works - Flat 5, 2 Elliot Terrace Plymouth PL1 2PL - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK9EH6MMJMW00&activeTab=summary

· Pre-application to gain permission to put 13x 20-foot shipping containers on the land to rent out on a month to month basis for light storage purposes - 128 Albert Road Plymouth PL2 1AQ - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SKBBRTMM08H00&activeTab=summary

· Request for a EIA screening opinion for a proposed Waste Recycling Facility - Land At Breakwater Hill Plymouth PL4 0RJ - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SKB92VMM08H00&activeTab=summary

· Vinyl wrap to the front of the proposed prescription collection machine with operation instructions, name and logo - 91 Church Road Plymstock Plymouth PL9 9AX - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK48BVMMJKV00&activeTab=summary

· One Fascia sign with illuminated letters. One Illuminated double sided projection sign. One Non-illuminated framed sign hanging in front window - First Floor, 55 - 57 Exeter Street Plymouth PL4 0AH - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK3VUSMMJKB00&activeTab=summary

· Installation of a Servi-Locker prescription collection machine to the existing pharmacy shopfront window - 91 Church Road Plymstock Plymouth PL9 9AX - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK48BSMMJKU00&activeTab=summary

· Pre-application for 10no. flats (Class C3) with associated access and landscaping - Longreach, Hartley Road Plymouth PL3 5LW - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SK485OMM08O00&activeTab=summary

· Change of use of chapel (Class F1) to children's day nursery (Class E(f)) - 128 Underwood Road Plymouth PL7 1TD - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SJY0Q5MMJHA00&activeTab=summary

· Rear balcony replacement - 19 The Old Wharf Plymouth PL9 7NP - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SIMHN1MMIX100&activeTab=summary

· Pre-application to add a cafe for use as a hot hub for the local community in times of need. We have existing facilities of halls and a kitchen, but wish to ensure that we comply with necessary rules - Pilgrim Church, St Levan Road Plymouth PL2 3AE - https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SH6FT1MM04Q00&activeTab=summary

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