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Port of Plymouth Evidence Base Study

Collectively, the four harbour authorities (Cattewater, Sutton Harbour, Millbay and Devonport) in Plymouth represent one of the south west's and UK's largest and most diverse ports. While the harbour authorities all act independently they do have inter-related roles which have a significant, combined impact on local, regional and national economic development and transport and, in the case of Devonport, also on our national defence capability.

In November 2009 we commissioned Atkins Ltd along with our partners Devon County Council and Cattewater Harbour Commission, with support from the Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, to undertake a study of the Port of Plymouth. The study aimed to establish a robust evidence base which can be used to inform a range of future policies and plans in Plymouth and the south west region.

Should the decision be taken to prepare a masterplan for the Port of Plymouth, the study will provide a sound foundation from which the masterplan can be developed.

The report is produced in two volumes and includes data and audits of key issues related to port activity and represents the most comprehensive study of the port and its wider impacts to date.

Executive summary

Final report

  • Baseline position
    • Existing role and activities
    • Port infrastructure audit
    • Key policy considerations
    • Transport considerations
    • Coastal environment considerations
    • Economic significance of port
  • Influencing factors and SWOT analysis
    • Influencing factors and SWOT
    • Future scenarios

Final report: Volume 2, appendices

  • Appendix A: Stakeholder consultations
  • Appendix B: Plymouth's commercial port facilities
  • Appendix C: Overview of south west ports
  • Appendix D: Policy context
  • Appendix E: Coastal environment
  • Appendix F: Listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments, Devonport South Yard