As the city centre reconstruction got underway, the city also implemented a major construction scheme to build the 'neighbourhood units' outlined in 'A Plan for Plymouth'. The Plan proposed 13 neighbourhood units, the new areas of Efford, Ernesettle, Ham, Honicknowle, Pennycross, Southway and Whitleigh built upon green fields and all named after local farms. Other areas such as Crownhill, King's Tamerton, and Tamerton Foliot were incorporated into new neighbourhood centres.
The Plan outlined a vision for each 'Neighbourhood Unit' to have access to the full range of facilities and services provided within 10 to 15 minutes walking distance from any part of it, each with suitable school provision and surrounded by a 'Green Belt'. At the heart of the unit would be the neighbourhood centre where each population group of 10,000 would have a 'Church or Chapel; Small Library; Swimming Bath; Cinema; Restaurant, Cafe or Hotel; Shops; Laundry; Child Welfare and other clinics' as well as a 'Community Building' where 'the citizens amuse themselves rather than listen to performances by experts'.
By 1962, just 15 years after work began, the city had managed to build 14,800 new Corporation dwellings. James Paton Watson considered 'the housing of the people as the most important part of the Plan'.
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| Ernesettle Housing plan © Plymouth City Council Arts and Heritage | Ernesettle Housing plan © Plymouth City Council Arts and Heritage |