Alison Stephenson
Verified- Local Democracy Reporter, Tavistock Times Gazette
- Local Democracy Reporter, North Devon Journal
- Local Democracy Reporter, Plymouth Live
United Kingdom
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Articles by Alison Stephenson
'Plympton pong' so bad it wakes people up - but Sherford is off the hook
Odour mitigation works by the Sherford Consortium to try and alleviate the notorious Plympton Pong have been successful, independent testing has shown, despite residents reporting ongoing issues. Works were completed in July at the new town of Sherford where wastewater is pumped directly to the Marsh Mills sewage treatment works run by South West Water.
Nine-storey tower block of 108 flats proposed for Plymouth
A fresh attempt is being made to build homes on the site of the former Plymouth Register Office - this time in a nine storey high tower block. The redundant building at Lockyer Street was sold by Plymouth City Council in 2024 and the land earmarked in the local plan for a mixed use scheme including a hotel and 52 homes.
Plympton's pesky bug invaders are 'harmless casual intruders'
Pest control won't be used on an infestation of bugs affecting homes in Plympton Plymouth City Council has confirmed. The council says the tiny beetle-like bugs which are invading properties and causing people to tape up windows are considered harmless casual intruders and pose no risk to public health or potential damage to buildings.
Appeal lodged over controversial battery storage site
An appeal has been lodged following Torridge District Council’s refusal of a battery energy storage system (BESS) site near Alverdiscott in north Devon. The council’s planning committee last month rejected the 99MW scheme on ten acres at West Webbery Farm at Woodtown, saying the harm to the landscape “outweighed” any benefits.
Plymouth battery storage near A386 on hold over fire safety fears
Councillors have deferred plans for a roadside battery box system in Plymouth to store clean energy over fire safety fears. The facility proposed for Tamerton Road at Woolwell is close to the primary A386 route in and out of the city, hundreds of homes and Dartmoor National Park. Plymouth City Council 's planning committee want more details on fire detection, monitoring, emergency plans and shutdown systems before they determine the application.
Revamp of disused North Devon hotel approved after scale-back
Plans to bring a disused hotel near Woolacombe back to life have been approved. But the ambitious scheme to extend the former The Fortescue Arms Hotel has been scaled back to address overdevelopment concerns. The £1.6 million planned refurbishment of the site, renamed the Woolacombe Hill Hotel, was originally intended to have a four-storey extension and 16 new guest rooms but this has been reduced to eight rooms inside a three-storey extension to be more in keeping with the hotel.
No immediate plan for action to stop sewage spills near college sports hub
Concerns over sewage spills next to a site where children play sport in Tavistock have been exacerbated by the news that mitigation measures are not expected to happen until 2028. South West Water says no short term or immediate action is currently planned at the Tavistock College Playing Field combined sewer overflow (CSO) on Crowndale Road which was one of the River Tavy pollution hotspots last year.
Staff relocated to RD&E to ensure capacity for baby boom
A HOSPITAL trust says it is “making sure” it has staff and space to cope with up to a quarter more babies being born at the RD&E following the temporary closure of birthing services at North Devon District Hospital. Many staff are being transferred from NDDH to the Exeter hospital over 50 miles away to support women in labour and their colleagues.
Disused seaside hotel in North Devon given green light for £1.6m restoration
Plans to breathe new life into a disused hotel near Woolacombe have been given the green light. But the ambitious proposal to extend the former Fortescue Arms Hotel has been scaled back to tackle concerns over overdevelopment.
Sensational British Fireworks Championships ready to light up Plymouth
The British Fireworks Championship returns to Plymouth Hoe this week with six top pyrotechnic companies competing for the coveted title. The first evening, on Wednesday, August 12 coincides with a solar eclipse when Plymouth is expecting to witness 95 per cent of the Sun covered by the Moon. The eclipse will begin just after 6.15pm and end after 8pm – just as the crowds are expected to gather ahead of the fireworks spectacle at 9.30pm.
Reform UK councillor resigns over lack of reprimand on migrant shooting comment
A Plymouth councillor has resigned from Reform UK in Plymouth over its handling of a social media comment made by one of its members appearing to support “open firing” on illegal migrants. Cllr Carol Ney ( Southway ) who joined Reform UK in April, has returned to being an independent councillor saying she is “unable to support the direction of the party”. The furore erupted over a comment made by Cllr Vanessa Tyler of Reform UK who was elected in May for the Plympton St Mary ward.
Pubs, cafes and shops in Dartmoor village forced to close after water dries up
Pubs, cafés and food shops in a Dartmoor village have been left tallying up the losses after being forced to shut for two days owing to water supply problems. Closure notices appeared on the doors of numerous Chagford businesses throughout Sunday and Monday when their water supply ran dry because of a burst water main. The water outage also impacted more than 900 properties. Issues were first reported at around 5.30am on Sunday and persisted until Monday afternoon.
Pubs and cafes close after water main burst affects 900 properties
PUBS, cafes and food stores in Chagford have been left counting the cost after they were forced to close over two days due to water supply issues. Closure signs were placed on the doors of many village businesses over Sunday and Monday when their water supply dried up due to a burst water main. The water outage also affected over 900 properties. Problems were first reported around 5.30am on Sunday and continued through to Monday afternoon.
Unanimous approval for new Plymouth school at historic mansion
Parking and highways issues have failed to scupper a plan to transform the historic Pounds House in Plymouth's Central Park into a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). There was unanimous support for the application by Phoenix Bay School of Newton Abbot at Plymouth City Council 's planning committee on Thursday.
New station and transport hub opens
Follow New station and transport hub opens Alison Stephenson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Sat, August 1, 2026 at 10:49 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. New station and transport hub opens A new railway station and transport hub has officially opened in Devon. The £18m Okehampton interchange provides an extra stop between the town's station and Crediton on the Dartmoor Line.
Civic Centre's new dawn: £47m overhaul of 'love it or hate it' tower approved
After a two hour debate by councillors focused on parking, cycle storage and affordable housing, planning permission was granted to redevelop Plymouth's iconic love it or hate it Civic Centre into apartments and a City College campus. The ambitious £47 million publicly funded flagship project for Plymouth City Council is expected to be a catalyst for 10,000 homes to be built in the city centre and spearhead its regeneration along with the recently revamped Armada Way.
£2.6m plan approved for new Plymouth children's homes
More children's homes are to be developed in Plymouth after the city council approved £2.6 million of borrowing to purchase two properties and build another. The council is acquiring two homes which it will convert for a maximum of six children and will purchase land, design and construct a purpose-built facility for four children with complex and emotional support needs. This will add to the two homes already purchased by the council which are currently undergoing minor changes ahead of opening.
Plymouth landmark pond branded an 'eyesore' to be revived by early 2027
Long-awaited work to repair the grade II listed pond outside Plymouth's Civic Centre will be completed by early 2027, it has been confirmed. The pond, used weekly by the city's model boat club before it developed a leak, has been left empty and unrepaired for nearly two years. It has been described as “an eyesore” in its current state.
Doubts raised over site for new £30m Plymouth SEND school
A question mark hangs over whether the former Dunstone Primary School in Plymouth will be the chosen site for a new SEND school to replace Mill Ford. Plymouth City Council officers told a recent scrutiny panel that a decision had not been made and it was still carrying out feasibility studies suggesting that more than one location might be in the mix.
Plymouth pre-school in desperate £5,000 fight for survival
A Peverell pre-school says it could close permanently if it can't raise the funds to pay its staff over the summer, ending a 50-year-history in the community. Toad Hall is making an urgent appeal for public support as it attempts to find the £5,000 it needs to avoid shutting its doors for good.
'Crazy' new planning rules criticised by council leader
New planning rules could see more homes built without councillor input and weaken local democracy, West Devon Borough Council’s leader has warned. From the end of October more planning applications will be signed off by officers and councillors will no longer be able to “call in” certain proposals to committee including schemes of under ten homes. And if authorities are minded to refuse plans for 150 or more homes, they will have to consult with the secretary of state first.
Drivers brush off fines as aggro escalates at Plymouth school gates
Stricter enforcement of parking restrictions near the school gates in Plymouth is having little effect with violence and aggression from drivers growing issues, a city council meeting has heard. The total number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued at school pick up times has increased by 17 per cent in the past year from 5,526 to 6,469. These notices carry a fine of between £50 and £70.
Shock election winner takes Reform UK deputy role in Plymouth
Reform UK in Plymouth has a new deputy leader after Cllr Carol Ney stepped down for “personal reasons”. Cllr Chris Sharpe, who represents the Efford and Lipson ward, takes over the role. The councillor was elected in May with 1,543 votes unseating Labour's Neil Hendy who won 1,057 votes. It was one of the shock election results having been a Labour stronghold for many years.
£25m green light fires up Plymouth's new health village
Planning consent for a second community health facility at Colin Campbell Court has been approved by Plymouth City Council, a month after the first one opened. The four-storey diagnostics centre, for which up to £25 million has been confirmed by the government, will include MRI scanning, bone density imaging, hepatology, ultrasound, phlebotomy treatment, a glaucoma assessment clinic and clinical consultation/exam rooms and be open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.
‘Woeful' victim blaming sees women lose children in Plymouth
Women and children down are being let down because investigations into domestic abuse are not good enough, a police and crime panel has heard. Police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez described the situation as "woeful" at a meeting of the two counties panel in Plymouth.
Tamar Bridge toll protest to trigger summer getaway chaos
Hundreds of people are set to join a protest march on the Tamar Bridge on Saturday aimed at putting pressure on the government to scrap tolls. Motorists are being warned to allow extra time for journeys or consider alternative arrangements as the demonstration is likely to cause “significant disruption” on the busy transport route linking Devon and Cornwall across the River Tamar on the first day of the summer holidays.
Plymouth Reform UK eyeballs legal battle after 2027 elections axed
Plymouth's Reform UK group is considering mounting a legal challenge over the local government reorganisation decision which means the usual elections will not take place next year. It was announced this week that Plymouth City Council will become a new "greater Plymouth” council taking in 13 parishes of the South Hams in 2028.
Child injury fears over 'tired and damaged' Plymouth play parks
A leading councillor has highlighted “poor maintenance and tired equipment” at play areas in Eggbuckland as Plymouth City Council flags play as one of its top priorities for the year. Leader of the Conservative group Cllr Chris Wood has requested an explanation from the council regarding the state of play areas in Frogmore Field, Widey Court, Cameron Way and Bladder Meadows. He fears children may trip up and injure themselves because of play surfaces being damaged and lifting up in places.
Tudor Evans moves to calm 'Greater Plymouth' job fears
Plymouth Labour leader Tudor Evans is reassuring staff that council jobs will be safe under the new ‘Greater Plymouth' authority which comes into play in 2028. The government announced last week that Plymouth will expand into 13 parishes of the South Hams as the county comes under the control of four large unitary councils instead of the current 11 of differing types.
Shakespeare, new festivals, and one-ticket travel: Plymouth Waterfront's big future
A business partnership set up to boost Plymouth's waterfront economy and improve visitor experience 14 years ago is lining up a carnival, jazz and blues festival and an Elizabethan Christmas weekend as new events in its next five year plan.
'Cost of building' hits affordable homes targets
Only 96 "affordable" homes, including 37 for social rent, were built in Plymouth last year. Plymouth City Council said it recognised it "needed to do better" but the cost of building was so high it was no longer a viable option for developers unless they were subsidised. It recently emerged that there are 4,500 homes with planning consent in Plymouth that are not yet under construction.
Plymouth's vertical arena saved from the brink in race to survive
Prices are being reviewed as leaders try to turn around the fortunes of the struggling Plymouth Life Centre climbing wall which was saved from the axe following a massive backlash. The facility is forecasting a £15,000 loss from April to June this year. A new pricing plan and programme will be in place for the “critical” September to January period, Plymouth City Councillors have heard.
Coastguard payments to continue after government U-turn
It follows sustained campaigning by the coastguard community, many of whom had threatened to quit or reduce their availability, and pleas from MPs across the country. Minister for aviation, maritime and decarbonisation Keir Mather confirmed on Wednesday that the proposed changes, due to come into effect in September, will no longer go ahead.
'Deep disappointment' as government opts to abolish West Devon council
‘Deep disappointment’ is being felt at West Devon Borough Council after the government effectively opted to abolish it. The government has selected the model put forward by Plymouth and Exeter councils, which will see the creation of four unitary authorities when Devon’s districts and county council are disbanded in 2028.
Plymouth meals on wheels axed as 'last resort' after cost per meal topped £15
Plymouth City Council officers conducted “extensive research” to find alternative providers before a meals on wheels service was scrapped in February, a scrutiny panel has heard. Around 150 elderly and vulnerable people were affected when the company jointly owned by Plymouth City Council and local schools CATERed announced it would stop operating due to financial pressures.
‘Greater Plymouth' approved in massive shake-up as city swallows 13 parishes
The government has approved Plymouth City Council's expansion into 13 parishes of the South Hams under the local government shake-up. In the biggest reorganisation of the local political structure in 50 years the city council's population area will rise to 300,000 taking in Bickleigh, Shaugh Prior, Cornwood, Sparkwell, Harford, Ugborough, Ivybridge , Ermington, Brixton, Yealmpton, Wembury, Newton and Noss and Holberton.
Plymouth housing 'off track' as council warns it's 'unaffordable' to build
Only 96 “affordable” homes were built in Plymouth last year and 37 of those were for social rent. Plymouth City Council admits it needs to do better but says the cost of building is so high that it is no longer a viable option for developers unless they are subsidised.
Plymouth's 'flagship day' as Devonport lands new wave of billions
Devonport is to see £7.1 billion of upgrades over the next decade as part of an government investment plan to improve three of the UK's naval bases, 60 per cent more than what was already promised to the city.
Plymouth's Devonport dockyard to receive £7.1bn for major upgrades
Plymouth's Devonport dockyard is set to receive £7.1bn worth of upgrades over the next decade as part of a government investment plan to modernise three of the UK's naval bases. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed it will spend £26bn upgrading HMNB Devonport, HMNB Clyde and HMNB Portsmouth, with submarine docks, waterfront facilities, berths and jetties in support of the Royal Navy.
Plymouth eyes major U-turn to join Devon power deal
Plymouth is considering joining the devolution deal with Devon and Torbay it previously snubbed. Plymouth City Council 's cabinet is expected to agree to “developing a proposal” to join the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) at its meeting next Monday (July 20).
Tributes after passing of 'absolute titan' of politics in Plymouth
Tributes have been paid to former Plymouth Labour councillor of three decades Honorary Alderman Peter Smith described this week as “an absolute titan” of politics in the city. Born and raised in Honicknowle, Alderman Smith's dedicated public service, calm manner, passion for Plymouth and sharp political wit have all been praised by leading political figures who have expressed sadness at his passing on Monday, July 6.
Armada Way water feature row as child spotted 'pulling up new reeds'
Plymouth Live readers have been sharing their thoughts after Plymouth City Council urged people to respect Armada Way's new water feature following its opening weekend. The council reminded visitors to avoid walking through the planted reed beds and to keep rubbish out of the rill, which is far more than just an ornamental stream.
Owners told 'don't let dogs wee' in new water feature
Follow Owners told 'don't let dogs wee' in new water feature Alison Stephenson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Sat, July 11, 2026 at 11:07 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The rill runs the length of Armada Way and serves as an important part of the sustainable drainage system [Alison Stephenson] A council is reminding people not to drop rubbish, damage plants or let their dogs wee in a new water feature.
Plymouth Reform backs Farage over by-election circus
Plymouth's Reform UK leader is “wholeheartedly backing” Nigel Farage after he quit parliament to trigger a by-election in a bid to bolster his mandate amid scrutiny over his finances. Cllr Steve Ricketts (Reform UK, Drake) said Mr Farage remains “fully at the helm as leader of Reform UK” and has his support. The Clacton MP is facing allegations that he failed to declare a £5 million gift from a billionaire donor but has argued that the donation was before he was an MP and it was not political.
A whopping 1,500 homes in the pipeline for Tavistock
Tavistock could increase in size by 30 per cent if all homes in the pipeline get built. There are eight sites where planning permission has either been granted, applied for or is at the consultation phase, totalling over 1,500 new properties. Developers have been circling the town since the house building targets were changed by the government and West Devon Borough Council now has to find land for 426 homes a year rather than the 160 dictated by its current local plan.
Don't let dogs pee in it!: The 'rules of the rill' at Armada Way water feature
Plymouth City Council is reminding people NOT to drop rubbish, damage plants or let their dogs pee in Armada Way's main new water feature which serves an important functional role as well as looking pretty. In a post on Facebook the council is asking people to treat the rill - or man made stream - with kindness and avoid the planted areas if they want to dip their toes in.
Bid to axe Russian name from major Plymouth road
A Plymouth MP is campaigning to change a road named after the city's former twin town in Russia to one that shows solidarity with Ukraine. Labour MP for Moor View Fred Thomas is seeking views from the community over the renaming of Novorossiysk Road in the north east of the city which connects to the Forder Valley link road. Plymouth was officially twinned with the city of Novorossiysk in 1990 but this link was severed in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
New foodie pit stop plan for Plymouth park and ride
A pit stop for motorists is being proposed at The George park and ride in Plymouth as the city council looks to site a mobile catering unit on one of the disabled parking bays. The unit would add to facilities at the popular transport hub which offers a resting area along with toilets and washing facilities within a terminal building from 6.30am to 3pm.
'Disgusting' Plymouth pond sees enthusiasts jump ship to rivals
A model boat club in Plymouth says it is tired of the “same words and no action” from Plymouth City Council as the pond outside the Civic Centre remains empty and unrepaired after nearly two years. The site of model boats bobbing about on the large pond in Civic Square every Sunday has been an attraction for visitors, families and model boat enthusiasts for nearly half a century but the pond was drained and fenced off in October 2024 after it developed a leak and not much has happened since.
Divisive plans for 70-seater Plymouth waterfront pub deck rejected
Proposals to enhance a waterfront pub in Plymouth with a cantilevered seating area for 70 people have been refused by planning officers. The Victualling Office Tavern (VOT) at Cremyll Street near the Royal William Yard said its “sympathetic design” would help the long term viability of the pub and bring in funds to maintain the wharf area and the seawalls which it owns.
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