Questions over Register Office site; Cattewater sewage warning; new rules in the RWYard; and it's nearly BoatFest!

Friday June 5, 2026

What's next for the former Register Office?

Questions are being asked about the fate of the former Register Office in Lockyer Street after City Council planners kicked out bold, ambitious plans to redevelop the site.

The plot sold at auction in the Autumn of 2024 for £827,000 after being described as "being in one of the most desirable areas of Plymouth”. The new owners planned a huge development of up to 50 apartments on the site.

However, the proposals were rejected following numerous objections.

In recent times, the vacant grounds have become a popular venue for drinking, drug-taking and impromptu gatherings, and last summer workmen hacked down trees and bushes in an attempt to drive the nocturnal visitors elsewhere.

Hoe Park Heights Ltd is behind the proposed development. The application was handled by agent Paul Mapstone, who works from an address in The Millfields, Plymouth. Neither he nor the company has responded to The Beagle’s enquiries.

Water sports warning over Cattewater sewage

A water quality warning was issued this week after an apparent sewage leak in the River Plym. The Cattewater Harbour Commissioners warned on Thursday:

"We are aware of current sewage discharges into the Cattewater. If your use of the river includes water sports, it is recommended that after periods of heavy rainfall you wait a couple of tidal cycles before heading afloat, as the water quality may be reduced."

Long-awaited code aims to tackle short-term letting issues at Royal William Yard

A long-awaited code of conduct aimed at improving standards for short-term holiday lets at Plymouth's Royal William Yard has officially come into force.

The new rules, covering the Brewhouse, Clarence and Mills Bakery buildings, follow almost a year of negotiations between the Royal William Yard Residents Association (RWYRA), developers Urban Splash, short-term letting operators and managing agents.

The code, which took effect on June 1, introduces a range of measures designed to reduce disruption for residents and ensure visitors respect the unique residential environment of the historic waterfront development. Operators have been given a three-month grace period to achieve full compliance.

Among the requirements are mandatory in-person guest check-ins, a 24-hour local emergency contact, strict quiet hours between 11pm and 8am, and a ban on parties, events and pets. Access codes for residential buildings must not be shared with guests, while key safes are prohibited.

Operators must also ensure guests comply with fire safety requirements, parking rules and waste disposal arrangements.

Mark Ingrouille, on behalf of the RWYRA committee, said the agreement had been developed to "minimise bad practices and maintain high community standards".

Residents are being encouraged to report any breaches directly to the managing agents.

Giant American visitor

Excitement and surprise this week when a giant US command ship arrived in Plymouth Sound. USS Mount Whitney was not listed on the King's Harbour Master notice of shipping movements.

The giant vessel, home of the Command of the US Sixth Fleet, was escorted to Devonport on Sunday evening, where she has remained alongside all week.

A "festival of all things boating"

The countdown is on for Plymouth Boat Fest, taking place later this month (June 20) at the Yacht Haven in Mount Batten.

The event will bring together the marine leisure industry in all its guises, together with the city's autonomous marine and technology sectors. More than 60 local businesses will exhibit at the event, including Marine AI, Thales, SEA-KIT and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

Plymouth RNLI will demonstrate their lifeboat response working alongside Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.

The day runs from 10am to 5pm with frequent demonstrations on and out of the water. Admission is by ticket only - more details here

Scene on the Sound

State-of-the-art expedition cruise ship the Douglas Mawson stopped by in Millbay dock this week. Operated by Aurora Expeditions, and purpose-built for navigating remote polar regions, she was launched last year. Named after a renowned Australian explorer, the 104-meter ice-strengthened vessel features an advanced, wave-piercing bow, designed for smoother, more fuel-efficient sailing.

Advertisement: