New homes incoming as major Plymouth development reaches next stage

The housebuilder behind the Saltram Meadow site in Plymstock has secured planning permission for the next two stages of the development, meaning construction will begin soon on 223 new high-quality homes.

Plymouth City Council gave approval to Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon for phases seven and eight of the development, which lies on the edge of the National Trust’s nearby Saltram Estate and will comprise of up to 1,684 homes once completed.

All of the properties will be equipped with air-source heat pumps and all those with parking will have electric vehicle charging points, while they will have storage for over 300 bikes between them, which can be used on the on-site segregated cycling lanes.

The phases – and future ones – will be accessible via the new junction created off Encombe Street and include 39 homes to be transferred to a local housing association partner. There is also a provision for public art.

The vision is accompanied by the creation of a strong new green infrastructure framework, creating new public open spaces in addition to well-connected movement routes, including a pedestrian connection between the northern and southern areas of open space.

Commenting on the approval, Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon Managing Director Andy Hill, said:

“We are really pleased with the progress we have made at Saltram Meadow so far and are delighted to have secured approval for the next stage of our plans.

“Persimmon is delivering hundreds of new homes for local people in Plymouth, helping to meet housing need in the area, while also putting in community assets such as the Main Square which will tie the up the development nicely, creating a real sense of place.

“This approval is a mark of confidence in our business and the scheme as we have built it so far – we look forward to delivering this sustainable community and leaving a positive and lasting legacy in Plymstock.”

The phases will be the first built to the east of the already-constructed on-site primary school and the soon-to-be-delivered Main Square, which is currently going through the planning process and planned to unfold in three distinct phases.

In the initial phase, the focus will be on constructing the parking facilities designated for commercial and residential units. Following this, the second phase will centre around the arrangement of the open space and play elements.

Subsequently, the third phase will involve the construction of the Main Square building components, encompassing health facilities, retail spaces, and the associated parking infrastructure.

Within the heart of the expansive open space, a significant grassy area is proposed to cater to recreational activities. This space will feature a 1000 sqm play area and a specially designed pavilion positioned to face the main lawn and amphitheatre. This pavilion is envisioned as a versatile venue for community events and a gathering space.