Remaining Plymouth trees saved for now in High Court ruling

Trees were felled at night after an executive order was signed by council leader Richard Bingley

Campaigners have won a bid to continue a High Court injunction preventing the further felling of trees in Plymouth city centre.

The judge kept the court order in place and said he had serious concerns about the council's use of emergency powers to make the decision.

Last week, 110 trees were cleared from Armada Way as part of a redevelopment programme, despite objections.

The injunction will preserve 19 trees that remain standing.

'Cannot be felled'

At the High Court in London on Friday, Sir Ross Cranston backed the protesters' bid to keep the injunction in place pending a full legal challenge over the council's actions.

"The injunction will continue, the remaining trees cannot be felled at least for the time being," he said.

He added, of the trees "once they are gone they are gone", adding that there was a "serious issue to be tried" over the lawfulness of the council's decision making process.

Plymouth City Council leader Richard Bingley intends to quit

Already toppled trees, fallen branches and stumps can be removed subject to an expert report.

Plymouth City Council argued the felling had to be done before the pre-election period, noting it was not a legal requirement, but a preferable one.

Leader Richard Bingley signed an executive order allowing the scheme, and soon after, the trees were felled after dark on 14 March.

Campaigners obtained an injunction which was served in the early hours.

Last week, the council said it would seek to have the injunction lifted at the High Court hearing.

'Democratic decision'

In a statement released after the hearing, the council said its objections remained to "transform a tired and run down part of the city centre".

"High Streets up and down the country are struggling. Our decision to transform Armada Way was a mandated, democratic decision, agreed by Plymouth City Council's elected members," it said.

The council said that it acknowledged people's concerns, but said others were "very clear they want this change".

It confirmed it would clear up the site of felled trees in accordance with the terms set out by the court.

Campaigner Alison White said her group was "really happy with the decision"

Alison White, head of campaign group Save the Trees of Armada Way (Straw), said: "We are really happy with the decision today to uphold our injunction and keep the remaining trees safe from Plymouth City Council and its chainsaws.

"The decision to completely destroy our urban forest against overwhelming public opposition in a way that avoided public scrutiny is indefensible."

Mr Bingley intends to quit as leader on Monday, according to his party, the Conservatives.

Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].