People divided as council debates Plymouth's 'new town'

PlymouthLive readers have been discussing the delayed plans for a 'new town' on the outskirts of Plymouth, which could see up to 2,000 homes built. South Hams District Council councillors spent eight hours discussing the scheme for 2,000 new houses in Woolwell, a plot earmarked for development in the Joint Local Plan.

The idea of transforming Woolwell has been circulating since 2015 when council leaders proposed a contentious plan to establish a 228-acre community there, complete with around 2,000 new homes. Councillors were advised to approve the two schemes submitted by Barwood Land back in January 2020 at the planning meeting.

The first application includes up to 360 dwellings, new access points from Towerfield Drive and Pick Pie Drive, and site infrastructure. The second proposal involves up to 1,640 new dwellings, up to 1,200 sqm of commercial, retail and community floorspace, a new primary school, public open spaces including a community park, new sports and playing facilities, new access points, vehicular, cycle and pedestrian links, and other associated site infrastructure.

However, after a full day of discussion, members unanimously agreed to postpone the decision to allow further debate over the 12.5 per cent level set for affordable housing and the access to the development through Pick Pie Drive.

Concerns have been raised about affordable housing levels and access to the development.

Devonee believes: "We do not need more houses, look at the size of Sherford, thousands being built, hundreds being built not far from there and on every patch of land they can grab."

One reader, Saintharry, says: "Building at this rate without the infrastructure is a fool's errand. Just look at Sherford not impacting on all entry points to Plympton. Time these councillors actually took their responsibility seriously and spoke out about these developments. Just look at Sherford which is impacting on all entry points!"

Camoxide adds: "The border for Plymouth should be increased to include Woolwell and Sherford." Professoraccountdeleted thinks: "At least it's only a delay and not a mystery."

Pilgrimpete asks: "Who will receive the rates etc. from these new builds, I would imagine South Hams but PCC will bear the cost of everything, improvements and maintenance of roads, hospital services. If the properties are being built for PCC, the rates should be paid to PCC."

Dis1954 writes: "Heaven forbid that Plymouth gets anymore money to lose on daft schemes, roads is down to Devon CC not Plymouth, Hospital services down to the NHS not PCC, what should be built first before any houses is the infrastructure, parks, schools and leisure facilities, too many developers supposedly run out of money before these are ever started, odd that."

Foster1 thinks: "Should not be doing this until the enhanced road widening system has been completed anyway."

RickOshay says: "Building on farm land is how cities, towns and villages have developed over the last 200 years. It happens regardless of political party."

JanePowell adds: "Building homes but not having the required services like healthcare, education and policing is sheer madness."

Edtheshred writes: "Sewage plant, improved road system and another reservoir to accommodate the ever increasing house building? No... thought not."

Barnacle Bill says: "Another Sherford in the making, the South Hams building on the boundaries of Plymouth and leaving the issues with the infrastructure to Plymouth, overloaded roads, sewage treatment plants etc."

Doct replies: "I'm not sure that it is as simple as that. Plymouth wants, and arguably needs to increase its footprint and critical mass. South Hams, as a small, 'select' area, will willingly transfer these new estates to PCC as soon as possible once Woolwell and Sherford are completed."

AJGreen adds: "It seems the developers don't want 'afford' houses in Woolwell and the locals won't want 'affordable' houses either. Aren't there sufficient 'affordable' houses in that area already?"

So do you think that a 'new town' is what Plymouth really needs? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.