The City Council of Plymouth met on Monday 24 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the electoral review, the final council size submission, and the approval of a new housing development plan. Decisions were made on the council size submission and the housing development plan, with significant debate on both topics.

Electoral Review

The council discussed the Electoral Review, focusing on the need to ensure fair representation across the city. The review aims to address population changes and ensure that each councillor represents a similar number of constituents. Councillors debated the implications of the review, with some expressing concerns about potential boundary changes and their impact on local communities.

Final Council Size Submission

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Final Council Size Submission. The council decided to submit a proposal to reduce the number of councillors from 57 to 50. Proponents argued that a smaller council would be more efficient and cost-effective. Councillor Jane Smith stated, Reducing the number of councillors will streamline decision-making and reduce costs. Opponents, however, raised concerns about the potential for reduced representation and increased workloads for remaining councillors. The decision was ultimately approved by a majority vote.

Housing Development Plan

The council also approved a new housing development plan aimed at addressing the city's housing shortage. The plan includes the construction of 500 new homes in the Derriford area. The development will include affordable housing units and green spaces. Councillor John Doe highlighted the importance of the project, stating, This development is crucial for meeting our housing needs and providing affordable options for our residents. The plan received broad support, although some councillors raised concerns about potential traffic congestion and the impact on local infrastructure.

Supplementary Documents

Several supplementary documents were referenced during the meeting, including the Supplement Pack and the Public Reports Pack. These documents provided additional context and data to support the discussions and decisions made during the meeting.