The final design for Plymouth’s ‘Armada Way gets greenlit by cabinet, following a controversial start.

Plymouth City Council’s leader, Tudor Evans says the multi-million project was “one of the most ambitious regeneration plans since the war.”

The public realm scheme has been controversial from the outset, after more than 100 trees were felled in the middle of the night in March last year to make way for a previous version of the regeneration plans.

Revised plans, put forward by the new cabinet, now include the planting of over 200 trees along the avenue.

With changes to the footpaths and cycling routes, extra cycle parking, a new play village and more accessible green space with improved security also included in the revisions.

As well as a sustainable drainage system to tackle storm overflows, solar panel canopies and recycling facilities.

The scheme’s final cost is not yet confirmed but the city council says the budget could be up to almost £37m.

At present, exploratory trial pits are being dug across the site to paint a more accurate picture of what is beneath the surface and to provide more clarity on the scope of work needed.