Giles Perritt, Plymouth City Council's assistant chief executive, has defended the controversial felling of 110 trees in the city centre, stating the removal will be 'really good for the city'. His comments come after campaigners secured a High Court order extending an injunction to halt further tree felling.
The trees were cut down as part of a £12 million redevelopment scheme involving a 1980s shopping precinct. A council consultation revealed overwhelming public opposition, and over 16,000 people signed a petition against the work. Perritt acknowledged that 'change is difficult' but expressed a desire to work with unhappy residents to deliver a 'fabulous result'.
Council leader Richard Bingley, who signed the executive decision to fell the trees, has announced his intention to step down. He stated he is not a full-time politician and is passionate about Plymouth, inviting others to lead if they can do better. The trees were removed under the cover of darkness after the site was closed off, prompting activists to obtain an urgent injunction.
High Court judge Sir Ross Cranston ruled that the remaining trees cannot be felled for now, citing a 'serious issue to be tried' regarding the lawfulness of the council's decision. Alison White, founder of the campaign group Save the Trees of Armada Way, condemned the destruction as 'indefensible'. The dispute mirrors similar conflicts in other UK cities, such as Sheffield, where an independent review criticised the council over street tree removals.
