This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-65063374
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Remaining Plymouth trees saved for now in High Court ruling | |
| (33 minutes later) | |
| Trees were felled at night after an executive order was signed by council leader Richard Bingley | 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. | 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. | 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. | Last week, 110 trees were cleared from Armada Way as part of a redevelopment programme, despite objections. |
| The injunction will preserve about 27 trees that remain standing. | The injunction will preserve about 27 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. | "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. | |
| Already toppled trees, fallen branches and stumps can be removed subject to an expert report. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | |
| Plymouth City Council leader Richard Bingley intends to quit | |
| 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. | 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." | "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. | 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 spotlight@bbc.co.uk. | Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. |
| Related Topics | Related Topics |
| Plymouth | Plymouth |
| Plymouth Council | Plymouth Council |