The Armada Way redevelopment has caused considerable concern in terms of the nature of the design and the way it has been delivered. DWT previously raised concerns about the Armada Way project and welcomed the review. While we recognise that projects of this sort inevitably can lead to short term impacts on biodiversity, with proper planning, design, care and consultation from the outset, many of these can be mitigated.

We are disappointed to see that 130 trees are still being removed – only 6 fewer than in the previous design. We are currently seeing a widespread approach to planning, through use of the government Biodiversity Metric, that regularly suggests that existing habitats and species are not as good as those proposed as their replacements by developments. This is rarely true. Trees that have survived 30 years are likely to support lichens, fungi, mosses, insects and a range of other species and, while may not look like ‘perfect specimens’, are likely to be resilient and valuable. Newly planted trees certainly do not support that range of species but also may fail due to a range of factors. It is disappointing that a planning authority is pursuing this approach of undervaluing the existing nature we have. We are not clear on how many of these trees are being translocated or containerised to ensure their value is maintained in some way.

In our previous response we suggested that PCC develop an approach to community representation in decisions around trees, woodlands and the environment. While we welcomed PCC’s pause to the project to enable consultation, a process that involved community input from the outset would be much more robust and ensure nature recovery was embedded in decision making from the start. The approach of carrying out night-time road closures and tree felling immediately following the decision to proceed, appears disingenuous to the process of involving communities and has led to more concern. We reiterate our call for a formal process of community representation on environmental decisions.

Devon Wildlife Trust has worked closely with Plymouth City Council on nature recovery focussed projects for a number of years. The statement made by PCC Chief Executive, Giles Perritt, demonstrates that nature is considered within the requirements of development rather than embedded as a core priority by PCC.

This is hugely disappointing and goes against many of PCC’s own projects, activities and the efforts of its dedicated staff. We would like to see PCC place nature and nature recovery as a core priority. This will make Plymouth a more resilient, attractive and healthy city that attracts businesses for the quality of its environment.

DWT reiterates its offer to help PCC with advice around avoiding and mitigating tree removal and learning from this experience to ensure future projects can ensure the best outcomes for nature. We will continue to work with PCC on the Green Minds project to enhance biodiversity across the City.