Plymouth City Council has officially published a comprehensive planning notice that covers significant heritage works at two prominent city addresses alongside a major proposed redevelopment project for the Plymouth Register Office. This formal notification has been placed in The Herald newspaper and is also available on the Public Notice Portal, marking the beginning of a crucial public consultation phase.
Detailed Proposals Under Consideration
The planning notice outlines three distinct applications that have been submitted to the council's planning department. Each proposal addresses different aspects of the city's built environment, from heritage preservation to urban regeneration.
Heritage Conservation Works
The first two applications focus on maintaining and improving Plymouth's architectural heritage through listed building consent requests:
- Application 26/00042/LBC – 6 St Andrews Cross: This proposal seeks permission to replace louvred doors and vents serving external plant rooms. As this affects a listed building, special consent is required to ensure any alterations preserve the property's historical character.
- Application 25/01448/LBC – 3 Elliot Terrace: This application covers essential repairs to the existing roof structure, including the installation of a new roof covering and insulation, with associated gutter and lead works. These maintenance works are crucial for preserving this listed building's integrity.
Major Redevelopment Proposal
The third application represents a more substantial transformation of a city centre site:
- Application 25/01654/FUL – Plymouth Register Office: This full planning application proposes the complete demolition of the existing building and its replacement with a residential development featuring commercial Class E space at ground floor level, along with all associated works.
Legal Framework and Public Consultation
These applications are being processed under established planning legislation, including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Town and Country Planning Development Management Procedure Order 2010, and the Planning Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990. The latter legislation is particularly relevant for the listed building consent applications, as it governs works that might affect the special architectural or historic character of protected buildings.
The council has established a formal consultation period during which residents and stakeholders can submit their representations. Based on the notice publication date of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, all comments must be received by Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – providing a 21-day window for public input.
How to Participate and Access Information
Interested parties can view the full applications through Plymouth City Council's planning online portal. For those without internet access at home, all Plymouth libraries offer free internet facilities where the documents can be reviewed.
When making submissions, residents are advised to quote the relevant application reference and site address clearly. Those requiring assistance with the process can contact the council's planning team directly on 01752 304366. The council particularly encourages anyone with concerns or who believes they might be adversely affected by the proposals to review the detailed plans and submit formal representations during the consultation period.
Potential Impact and Key Considerations
Properties near postcodes PL1 1DN and PL1 2PL, along with the wider city centre area, may have particular interest in these proposals given their nature. The heritage roof works, plant room alterations, and potential demolition and mixed-use redevelopment could have significant local implications.
The council's planning officers will assess the applications against multiple criteria, including:
- Heritage Impact: Evaluating how the proposed works might affect the special architectural or historic interest of the listed buildings and any relevant conservation area policies.
- Design and Appearance: Considering materials, detailing, and compatibility with both the host buildings and the surrounding townscape.
- Amenity Considerations: Assessing potential impacts on neighbouring properties, including noise, daylight and sunlight access, outlook, and privacy.
- Transport and Servicing: Reviewing access arrangements, delivery logistics, cycle and car parking provisions, and highway safety implications.
- Economic and Community Factors: Examining the provision of suitable commercial space at ground floor level and the development's potential contribution to local vitality.
- Environmental Considerations: Evaluating sustainability aspects, construction management plans, and waste handling procedures.
Decision-Making Process
Following the consultation period, planning officers will thoroughly assess all applications against local and national planning policies and guidance. Decisions may be made either under delegated powers by senior planning officers or referred to the planning committee for consideration, depending on the applications' complexity and significance.
For complete details and to ensure accurate understanding of all proposals, readers are strongly advised to consult the official notice and the planning portal directly. The council emphasizes the importance of public engagement in this planning process, which will help shape Plymouth's built environment for years to come.
