New trees on Avon Crescent in Bristol could be scrapped

Avon Crescent had been closed to vehicles since 2020

Plans for replacement trees on a residential road that had been closed for two years, could be scrapped.

A total of 55 trees were due to be planted on Avon Crescent, part of the metrobus M2 route.

But Bristol City Council is now applying for planning permission from itself to instead plant far fewer trees, after only planting four so far.

Avon Crescent, a small residential street to the west of Spike Island, was shut for two years to through-traffic.

Councillors on the development control B committee will decide on Wednesday whether to allow the council to change a planning condition about planting replacement trees.

In a report to the committee, a planning officer said: "The applicant, alongside the mayor's office, wished to consider the evidence submitted in public statements to the May committee meeting, and whether the fire at Underfall Yard affected the scheme."

Last month, Avon Crescent reopened to traffic, after temporary traffic regulation orders expired, which had been in place to support roadworks on Cumberland Road.

Initially, planning permission for the Metrobus route proposed to remove 11 trees, and plant 55 in replacement, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Seven trees were removed, and just four were planted in replacement.

To make up the shortfall, the council could set aside a sum of money to plant trees elsewhere in Bristol.

The planning officer added: "The opportunities to replace these trees have been limited for reasons of design, safety and the suitability of locations for planting.

"A number of trees were also proposed to be planted as enhancements beyond the requirements of the Bristol Tree Replacement Standard."

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