Plympton Pathfields, Conservation

Plympton Pathfields Preservation Group has nominated the Pathfields for Conservation Area Status.

The proposal to include the Pathfields as part of the Conservation Area of Plympton St. Maurice came from a suggestion made to the Pathfields Preservation Group by Plymouth’s former Archaeology Officer Dr. Keith Ray. He recognised the significance that the fields have played in the development and sustainability of the historic character of the area. He described the Pathfields as, "An important historical feature of the local landscape. Their survival as open space, although probably largely fortuitous, is to be applauded … steps should be taken to secure such survival for the future."

The submission places the Pathfields in an historic and modern day context.  Historically the land has a rich a fascinating past as Anglo-Saxon farmland, safe pasture close to the Castle, as a landscaped parkland associated with a manor house, as a base for Royalist Cavalry in the English Civil War and as open land to be enjoyed by the people of Plympton. 

This unique area of green space has endured hundreds of years and remains one of the most intact landscapes within the local urban environment.

The Pathfields Group propose to extend the current Conservation Area associated with Plympton St. Maurice to encompass an area which extends up to the Ridgeway or old 'Turnpike Road', continuing west and turning down by Mudge Way and linking  to the existing line of the present Conservation Area on Dark Street Lane.  The stone bridge on Dark Street Lane was considered to be an important local feature that contributes to the character of the area that ought to come within the Conservation Area.

New building on part of the Pathfields is included as it forms part of the landscape which remains 'Pathfields'.  The stone bridge, ancient Dark Street Lane, protected trees, new and existing Devon hedge banks are inseparable from the new building works.  The developers, Beazer Homes, now regard this site as environmentally and historically important and have expressed their commitment to protecting and enhancing natural features as well as maintaining the highest standards to achieve a housing scheme which blends in with and reflects the character of the surrounding landscape.

latest news....City Council confirm Pathfields set to become a Conservation Area - go to news item

For further information on the submission for Conservation Area Status contact pathfields@hotmail.com