Plymouth Armada Way plan changes could see more trees saved

Ten changes have been proposed for the Armada Way plans in Plymouth city centre

Two more trees will be retained on one of Plymouth's city centre streets as part of proposed changes to a major regeneration project.

The city council said it received more than 1,500 responses about the Armada Way plans during a six-week public consultation last year.

This led to 10 proposed changes including more trees being retained, cycle lane amendments and more seating.

The changes would require an additional budget of £22.8m to be approved.

They will be reviewed by councillors at a meeting on 22 January.

A total of 1,503 responses were received during the consultation held by Plymouth City Council between October 17 and November 28.

In March last year 110 trees were controversially cut down along Armada Way, authorised by the previous Conservative council leadership group.

In November, the council's Labour administration unveiled plans to plant 202 trees - mostly new plantings - along the street.

It also intended to move six trees from Armada Way to The Park, but two of those are now earmarked to remain where they are.

Key changes made to plans

Other changes proposed for the scheme include more "accessible green space", at least one drinking fountain and defibrillators being installed.

The revised plans will be looked over by the council's Growth and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday.

The plans and any recommendations from this meeting will then be put forward to cabinet members on 5 February, before a the final decision is made by the same group of councillors on 19 February.

Revised plans include more trees being retained on Armada Way

Council leader Tudor Evans said the authority had looked over the feedback and said the message from the public is to "get on with it".

He added the plans are "ambition", but careful consideration had been taken into the revisions.

Mr Evans said: "We have been able to make changes that I think make the proposals even stronger and I would like to thank those who took the time to respond to the survey in such a thoughtful way."

'Likely to cost more'

The report from independent consultation experts ECF states that Mr Evans would need to approve changes to the capital programme up to a maximum of £22.8m.

This would take the maximum allocated cash for the scheme to £36.8m when added to the £14m already put aside.

The extra money would cover construction work, a bespoke five-year maintenance plan, moving trees and their ongoing care, new lighting columns, provisions for likely risks that may be encountered and delivery fees associated with the project, the council said.

Speaking about the costs, Mr Evans said the new proposals were "likely to cost more", but he believes "Plymouth is worth it".

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'We need to get on with this now'

Steve Hughes, City Centre Company chief executive, said the council had listened and made changes, but now progress needed to be made.

He said: "There will be those who continue to complain and seek more changes.

"Our message is clear. We need to get on with this now."