I lived in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport for a decade, first coming as a student then staying and working in the hospitality sector. I know the city well and there is so much to love about Plymouth, but it also faces significant challenges. So often it is felt like Plymouth is forgotten about, cut off from the rest of the country, and left to fend for itself. I believe in a collaborative approach, so as your MP I will open channels of dialogue with constituents, community groups, and councillors to build consensus and find solutions to the pressing issues that people face.

Nowadays, I work for an apprenticeship training provider. I am passionate about education because it is vitally important for giving everybody a fair start in life. However so many children and young adults in Plymouth are not gaining the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to lead fulfilling and comfortable lives. Unfortunately, almost 20% of children in Plymouth live in poverty, which has a direct impact on their educational outcomes and future prospects, a reality I faced myself.

I was recently elected as a councillor in Bristol, joining over 800 fellow Green councillors across the country who have been elected in recent years. The Green Party is bucking the trend and showing we can win even with this broken voting system and without the national media attention other parties get. Labour will probably tell you that you need to vote for them to keep the Tories out, but that simply isn’t the case in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport. The Tories didn’t even come close to winning here at the last election when they were at their peak, so they don’t stand a chance this time round. This election is about who you want to be the main challenger to Labour, so if you want Green, vote Green.

The post General Election 2024: Cam Hayward to challenge Labour in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

Georgia, a dedicated Green Party member and campaigner since 2019, expressed her enthusiasm for her candidacy, stating, “For 14 years, this country has been led by a Conservative government marred by sleaze and corruption, and defined by destruction of public services, lack of action on climate breakdown, and huge social and economic inequality. Labour has the opportunity to change the direction of politics in the UK, but is instead engaging in a race to the bottom, peddling old and tired policies and refusing to take principled stances. The Green Party is the solution to this political stagnation, and in the upcoming General Election, I’m honoured to have been selected as the Green Party candidate in Plymouth Moor View.”

At this general election, the Green Party is standing candidates in a record 574 seats in England and Wales, giving people up and down the country the chance to vote for real hope and real change.

Nelson notes, “In hearts and minds across the country, people are yearning for change and for an alternative to the status quo. With the effects of the climate crisis closing in, the cost of living sky-high, and the NHS on its knees, voters in every corner of the UK deserve the chance to vote Green for real hope and real change.”

“In this election there is no need to vote tactically – who will lead the next government is in no doubt. A Green vote in Moor View will hold fire to Labour’s feet, pushing them to scrap the cruel two-child benefit cap that’s keeping hundreds of children in Plymouth in poverty, save our NHS from creeping privatisation, ensure safe and warm homes for all and be ambitious in tackling the climate and nature emergencies.”

Nelson’s political journey began as a first-year student at the University of Bristol, where she was actively involved in Carla Denyer’s MP campaign in Bristol West. “This campaign was my first taste of political engagement, and I was immediately absorbed. I have since been involved in numerous election campaigns,” she said.

Her political experience extends beyond campaigning; she has held multiple elected roles within the Green Party. As the co-chair of Bristol Young Greens from 2020-21, she led the group through the challenges of the pandemic, maintaining high engagement through online events. Since 2021, she has served as the events officer for the Bristol Young Greens committee. Additionally, Nelson has also served as the staff member for the Green Party’s youth wing, the Young Greens, and now works as Carla Denyer’s Personal Assistant, supporting Denyer in her role as co-leader of the party.

Social Media Handles

Twitter/X: @georgianelson01

Email: coordinator@plymouth.greenparty.org.uk

The post Georgia Nelson announced as Green Party candidate for Plymouth Moor View appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

Lauren is the Green Party Group Leader on Plymouth City Council representing Plympton Chaddlewood ward. Following her initial election in January 2023 and successful re-election in May 2024 gaining 53% of the vote, she is the first Green Party councillor to be successfully re-elected to Plymouth City Council.

Since her election, Lauren has been working hard to improve play parks, parks and green spaces, advocate for nature and a just transition to netzero, and increase access to democracy. She also sits on Health and Wellbeing, Natural Infrastructure and Growth and Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Panels on Plymouth City Council. 

Within the Green Party, Lauren is also a member of the Young Greens.

Lauren, who grew up in central Scotland, moved to the South West to work for an environmental charity. She has a professional background in tourism, culture and communications. She says it is a ‘great honour’ to have been selected to contest the seat which has been held by retiring Conservative Gary Streeter for 27 years. 

She is committed to increasing the presence of marginalised groups within politics. As a young, queer, working class woman Lauren advocates that our elected representatives should be representative of us.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys camping on Dartmoor, snorkelling and wild swimming at Wembury, walking and paddleboarding around Noss Mayo, bouldering, live music and exploring nature with her rescue greyhound.

Lauren says:

“We live in one of the richest countries on the planet. Yet in South West Devon nurses are using food banks, putting a roof over our heads is all too often unaffordable, thousands of children are growing up in poverty, and a hospital or dentist appointment is like gold dust.

We need more than the few tweaks offered by the Labour Party to undo the damage of the Conservatives. We need real hope, and real change. Voting Green sends a message for the serious change this country deserves; to restore our NHS, deliver safe and warm homes for all, stop water bosses profiting from sewage in our rivers and seas, address the cost of living crisis and be ambitious in tackling the climate and nature emergencies.

My work as a councillor in Plympton gives me firsthand knowledge of the importance of good, local public services and how, over the last 14 years, residents in South West Devon have seen the consequences of austerity on these services and their own household budgets. We cannot fix our ailing public services, address rampant child poverty, fix our broken energy system and protect the planet without serious investment. A vote for the Green Party will put pressure on the incoming government to deliver the necessary investment while ensuring that the burden doesn’t fall on ordinary working families.”

The post Lauren McLay announced as Green Party Candidate for South West Devon appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

Councillor Ian Poyser, leader of the Green Group in Plymouth City Council, said: “We’re really proud of the range of experience and knowledge our candidates bring. All are committed to building stronger communities to protect our environment and address the climate emergency at a local level as the priority.” 

“Greens fight hard to protect vital services and speak up for residents. Vote Green on May 2nd for fresh voices in Council, and a much-needed injection of creativity and energy.”

Green councillor Lauren McLay, who is seeking re-election in Chaddlewood, said: “Many Plymothians are fed up with both Conservatives and Labour as their councillors have to toe the party line. Green Councillors are never told how to vote – so they’re always free to speak up for residents, and vote for what’s best for the area they represent.”

Green Party candidates are standing in all 19 wards contested on 2nd May 2024. This gives Plymothians the chance to vote for more bolder action to address the climate and ecological emergency and for a collaborative style of politics. 

Green Party candidates this election:

Budshead – Caroline Bennett

My interest in sustainability started when I founded Britain’s first conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, Moshi Moshi, in 1994. My passion for the seas brought me to Plymouth where I established an ethical fishmonger, Sole of Discretion CIC. Sole works exclusively with the small-scale inshore boats, whose fishers play a key role in Plymouth’s amazing coastal communities. If elected, I would focus on bringing economic resilience powered by green ethics to Budshead.

Compton – Ewan Melling Flavell 
I work as a Public Health Nurse after retraining during lockdown. I have a lifetime of experience supporting the public in a variety of roles, from Gym Instructor to Practice Manager.  I hope to support residents in Compton, Mannamead and Mutley Plain by focusing on road safety, public transport, littering and housing issues.

Devonport – James  Dyson

I believe Plymouth needs something different from Labour and the Conservatives. I have witnessed the dedication of Green Councillors in Plymouth to genuinely represent the needs of their wards. High energy bills are one of the biggest problems many residents battle with in Devonport, and renters have no influence over insulation of their homes. If elected, I would champion community energy buying projects and promote the creation of local energy co-operatives, so residents can get lower bills with renewable energy. I would be a strong voice for residents in Devonport and hold the Labour administration to account.

Drake – Efford and Lipson – Pat Bushell
One reason that I’m standing as a candidate for the Green Party in Efford and Lipson is because I want to see more and quicker action on issues that have been left for too long. 
Food waste collection is an important issue that has concerned me for many years. All the nutrients contained in potato peelings, apple cores and the left-overs from your plate are still being sent directly to the incinerator and burnt, turned to ash, instead of being recycled into a rich compost and returned to the land.  This is an example of what is meant by the Circular Economy, and I’m sorry to say we’re way behind on this.  In Totnes they have been collecting food waste since 2002.  What are we waiting for? 

Eggbuckland – Clint Jones

I’m a teacher and run a consultancy which focusses on education as a tool for social justice. 

I am standing as a Green councillor because I believe that we need a new kind of politics, one that is truly rooted in community, compassion, and sustainability. I believe that the Green Party offers the best chance for a better future for our community and our planet.

I am also standing because I have children and I want them to be able to grow up in a community that understands the importance of taking care of the world around us. We are at the tipping point and without immediate action on climate, water quality and green space preservation things look pretty stark! 

I have lived in the Eggbuckland ward for the last 7 years and in that time I have never once seen any of my local councillors at community events or advocating for businesses, groups or individuals.

I am committed to working with others to make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I will fight for affordable housing, good schools, and safe streets. I will also work to protect our environment and promote sustainability. I believe that we can create a better future for our community, our City and our planet. 

Ham – Leesa Alderton

I am a professional dog-walker and have lived in the area for over 12 years. With experience in environmental science and the social sector, I am passionate about the community and green spaces in the ward and can often be found volunteering here. I believe that national solutions to environmental issues and social equality start at our doorstep. If elected, I will continue to fight for our green spaces and for adequate healthcare in the ward.

Honicknowle – Verity Thong

I teach English for speakers of other languages and want to see better provision for young people in Honicknowle. The area has huge community spirit, but doesn’t get its fair share of support – I want to hold the Labour council administration to account and would be free to speak up for residents. If elected, I would work with the council to improve bus services so that Ernesettle, West Park, Honicknowle and Manadon are better connected to the city centre. I would advocate for more housing in the area that is actually affordable while ensuring much-loved green spaces like Wilmot Gardens are protected.

Moor View – Frank Hartkopf

As the owner of a small business, I’m passionate about empowering local businesses to create green, fairly paid jobs in Plymouth. I have two young children and am very concerned about the kind of world they will grow up in. I’m standing as the Green Party candidate to push for faster and measurable action on the climate crisis in Plymouth.
 
As a lay minister at a local church in Glenholt, I know that families and elderly residents are struggling with the rising cost of living and with isolation. If elected, I will support local initiatives and fight for better public transport links and a new family hub for the ward.

Peverell – Nicholas Casley

I have lived in Peverell for thirty years. I am standing because Plymouth deserves a better Green Deal than the current parties dare hope to provide.

If elected for Peverell, I would focus on providing better public transport links to the city centre and other parts of the city.

I would fight to reinstall the drinking fountains in Central Park as a way to combat more plastic bottles of water. I remember the fountains from when I was a kid. Every park in Paris still has them.

Plympton Chaddlewood – Lauren McLay

I’m seeking to be re-elected as one of the two Green councillors so we can keep a strong voice for Chaddlewood on Plymouth City Council. Over the last 15 months since my election, Cllr Ian Poyser and I have worked hard for Chaddlewood, reversing decades of neglect by previous Conservative councillors. I’ve listened to residents’ priorities and got things done such as fixing potholes and drain covers, demanded improvements on grass-cutting schedules, as well as getting the developer to fix the retaining wall between St Maurice View and the Ridgeway – at no cost to taxpayers. 

I’ve also secured additional funding for our community to create beautiful mini wildflower meadows across Chaddlewood, supported a local community group to install five new benches, maintained and expanded on the much-loved subway art with local schools and raised funds for a new defibrillator. It’s only me and the Green Party team that have knocked on doors throughout the year, held monthly ‘Meet Your Councillor’ Surgeries and delivered a regular newsletter. 

Plympton Erle – Mickey Jakes
I’ll be standing as candidate for the Green Party in Plympton Erle to help grow a sustainable future. As Britain’s Ocean City we need to be ensuring that we are protecting our water not only from sewerage, but also from litter that is left on our streets. I regularly do litter picks, but often the issue is caused by a lack of bins or overflowing bins, why aren’t we fixing this issue? If elected, I would be working with Green councillors in Plympton Chaddlewood to improve our playparks and green spaces. 

Plympton St Mary –  Byran Driver
I have worked in Children’s services for over 10 years and understand how Local Government and the local community can work together to create the best outcomes for residents.
 
I was brought up in a Services family with my dad and uncle both serving in the army. I also trained in the Territorial Army from age 18 to 20, which has given me a huge amount of respect for the dedication and hard work required from serving personnel and their families.
 
If elected, I will bring fresh energy to the council, along with time, skills, and experience to be a stronger voice for Plympton St Mary. I will put Plympton residents first, before party politics.

Plymstock Dunstone – Piers Driver
I am standing as a candidate for the Green Party in Plymstock Dunstone as I believe that we have been failed by Conservatives and Labour too many times. I’m appalled by the felling of the trees in Armada Way. This is a clear example of how democracy should not work.
I grew up in Plymstock and have ties with family and friends who live in the area. I love its beautiful green spaces and if elected I would promote and protect them. 
My career as a loft specialist across Plymouth has given me experience and knowledge in the need for good quality, insulated and future ready homes, which the Green Party are passionate about.
If elected, I would provide a strong independent voice for the people of Plymstock Dunstone.

Plymstock Radford – Bruce Robinson
I have lived in Plymstock for the past 35 years.  I served in the Royal Navy for 15 years as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer. In 2005, I joined Coombe Dean School as a Chemistry teacher and went on to become Head of Chemistry at Ivybridge Community College in 2007 and whole College STEM Coordinator at UTC Plymouth in 2015 before retiring from frontline teaching in 2017. I have run my own business, Wonder Workshops, delivering challenging Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths workshops to enthuse and inform children across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. Although formally retired, I work part time for STEM Learning as an ENTHUSE Coach for Secondary and Primary schools in Plymouth and Kingsteignton. I am a keen photographer, musician and bodyboarder. I enjoy walking on Dartmoor and I was a Ten Tors Commander for three years and a scrutineer. I am married with two daughters. 
As a member of the Plymstock Swimming Pool Association, I was pleased to see the considerable effort bring about the integration of a swimming pool for Plymstock and Sherford residents into the Sports Centre at Sherford. Through this project, I have learnt that success doesn’t always come overnight, and dogged determination is often required to get a community what it wants and needs. If elected, I hope to bring that experience and determination to serve the residents of Plymstock Radford.

Southway – Helen McCall

I am a retired Research Scientist who has worked in Environmental Research at Plymouth Marine Laboratories. I was also a Mathematician, Computer Programmer and Engineer. As a scientist I had experience of giving public lectures in Britain and Europe.
Performing Arts Practitioner at various venues such as The Art Of Dance in Mutley, The Barbican Theatre, Theatre Royal and Drum Theatre. In 2003 I served as an Infrastructure Sub-Committee Member on the City Council’s Cultural Steering Group. As a Research Scientist I performed International Peer Review on International research in environmental science, and was a referee for a United Nations Intergovernmental Commission.
I am standing as the Green Party candidate for Southway to give residents a say on the issues that matter in their local community. People are looking for a different approach, one that prioritises responsiveness, fairness and sustainability.
If elected, I would like to focus on promoting healthier, more environmentally efficient homes, public buildings and businesses. With the rising fuel prices, this is an important way to improve quality of life for individuals as well as the local economy.  I would be a strong voice for promoting and protecting our green spaces, as well as improving low and no carbon transport options to better link Southway to other parts of the city.

St Budeaux – George Wheeler

I have lived in St Budeaux for 22 years and been a councillor for most of that time, so  know how to get things done for residents. I successfully put pressure on the Labour council to get their act together for Barne Barton, Kings Tamerton, Saltash Passage and St Budeaux. After years of campaigning, new public toilets will finally be built  on the Square. I was the only candidate to deliver a regular newsletter to all residents in our area all year round, keeping them informed. 

Unlike candidates from other parties, I’m not told how to vote by my party, so I’m free to be a strong voice for our local area. If elected, I would hold the Labour council to account and make ensure residents have a greater say on housing and development in our area and to save and improve youth services and play parks. 

The Conservatives came third in St Budeaux last year and are trailing behind in the polls. I came second, so voters have a clear choice between me or yet another Labour councillor here.

St Peter and the Waterfront – Richard Worrall

As the candidate for St Peter and the Waterfront, I represent the growing movement in Plymouth that rejects the politics of division. Having lived and worked in Plymouth for over 20 years, I want to make it an even greater place to live. We need to be able to trust that our elected representatives will protect and grow this beautiful corner of the country.

Stoke – Lucy Mackay

I have lived in Plymouth for more than 40 years. I work as a teacher and exercise instructor while bringing up my family and taking an active interest in local issues. I’m particularly interested in protecting green spaces from development, achieving better insulation in Plymouth’s homes and maintaining support for our most vulnerable residents. 

Sutton and Mount Gould – Mike Kewish
I have been living in Plymouth for 30 years. After serving in the Royal Navy for twelve years, I embarked on a career in social housing and over time gained a wide experience of the complex needs of residents. I am passionate about protecting green open spaces and have frequently challenged the local authority on such issues. 

The post Green Party standing candidates in all 19 wards up for election on 2nd May 2024 appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

Councillors Lauren McClay and Ian Poyser wrote:

“Yesterday Plymouth City Council passed a difficult budget.

No one wants to pay more Council Tax. You are paying more because of Conservative failures.

The Conservative government has purged 60p in every £1 in Plymouth’s public purse since 2010, seeing our Revenue Support Grant freefall from £123.8 million to £12.3 million. This cut has devastating consequences to the services we care the most about, like health, education and transport. But it is perhaps most noticeable in the areas we used to take for granted, like grass cutting, bins, potholes and parks. These services have been pushed beyond breaking point due to the cuts passed down by the Conservative government.

Earlier this week we saw Jeremy Hunt’s budget do nothing to help put money back into your pockets or help local councils deliver essential services we all depend on.

Locally, the picture is equally bleak. This budget goes some way to clean up the mess left by the previous Conservative Council administration, finally properly funding Children’s services.

But like councils across the country, we have continued to see big increases in our costs and rising demand for homelessness and social care services for the elderly, vulnerable adults and children – around 73% of our total revenue budget goes towards these vital services, which must be funded.”

Cllr Lauren McLay says: “To lower council tax and deliver local services that work for local people, we need the government to act. This starts by returning our Revenue Support Grant to pre-2010 levels, adjusted for inflation.”

Cllr Ian Poyser says: “During budget scrutiny we asked for more autonomy to be given to local councillors on how to spend budgets. We believe this allows Councillors to focus investment where it is most needed in their ward, like for us here in Chaddlewood.”

“We’re pleased that the Living Streets fund has been reintroduced. This will enable us to push forward with plans to improve inclusive travel in the Chaddlewood, with the addition of drop kerbs and traffic islands planned for after May.

As your Green Councillors, we are working hard to undo years of underinvestment in Chaddlewood. This year we have made our Community Grant go further by multiplying £4000 into almost £14,000 of investment for projects in Chaddlewood. We have held developers to account, delivering essential safety works at St Maurice View at no cost to the taxpayer.”

The post Green Councillors call for more autonomy to be given on how to spend budgets appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

During their meeting on Wednesday 28 February, Green Party Councillor Lauren McLay (Plympton Chaddlewood) called attention to the concerning level of absenteeism from the Conservative Group on the Education and Children’s Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Plymouth Conservatives only filled 50% of their allocated seats on the committee at Wednesday’s meeting. Additionally, 25% of their seats (one of their four) have been left unfilled since May 2023.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor McLay emphasised the failure of the Conservative group to occupy their allocated seats, highlighting a critical void in their attendance since May 2023: 

“It’s incredibly disappointing that the Conservatives continue to neglect their obligations to this scrutiny. I appreciate the contributions and experience Councillors Carlyle and Harrison bring…it’s such a shame that this isn’t shared by their party at large.”

In further critique, outside of the meeting, the Councillor for Plympton Chaddlewood expressed disappointment at the apparent lack of priority given to such a vital issue by the Conservatives, stating: 

“Their indifference speaks volumes about their dedication to our cities’ children and young people. They can’t even be bothered to tell someone to turn up.”

“Nearly one in three children are living in poverty in Plymouth and the issues that we scrutinise on this committee are vital. From improving access to special educational needs support to addressing the shortage of foster carers in Plymouth, sitting on this committee should be treated as the privilege it is.”

“Ironically, we were discussing the Council’s strategy for improving school attendance at Wednesday’s meeting…by our own measures, the Conservatives’ attendance would be classified as a ‘severe absence’.”

Reflecting on the situation, Cllr McLay affirmed the readiness of the Green Party to step in and uphold the responsibilities that the Conservatives have neglected, “It’s so disappointing that an issue as important as our cities’ children and young people isn’t a priority for the main opposition party. If the Conservatives aren’t prepared to fulfil that duty, the Green Party are ready and willing to step in come the local elections on 2 May.”

The post ‘Severe absence’: Green Party Councillor Lauren McLay blasts Conservatives’ neglect of Plymouth’s children and young people on vital scrutiny committee appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

Local residents in Kings Tamerton were shocked to find a digger working with no warning at the Pony Field on February, 16th.

In June 2022, outline planning permission for 70 homes was granted for land known locally as the Pony Field in Kings Tamerton. Permission was also given for construction of an access road. George opposed the application at the planning committee meeting, the only St Budeaux councillor to do so, butthe application was granted.

Although the land had been designated as suitable for siting 40 houses for a long time, the steep slopes make the site very difficult to develop. The developer was required to make contributions to improving the surrounding area for nature and public access but only a small contribution was agreed, the developer said that this was all that could be afforded, although they had been given a grant of £0.5 million to build the access road and the council had sold them the land for £1.

In August 2022, the Conservative council leader took an executive decision to give a grant of £1/3 million from the planning gain from the incinerator to the development.
The justification was that without the grant, the development would not be viable and would not go ahead.

George tried to get this decision scrutinised, but that had to be done within 7 days of the decision being taken. Call-in requires three signatures. Ian Poyser, the other Green councillor at the time, signed but no others did, including both of the other Labour and Conservative St Budeaux councillors. Without call-in, the decision stood.

Although construction of the access road has planning permission, detailed permission for the remainder of the development still needs to be obtained.
Local people will have a chance to comment on the application when it comes forward.

George says: “If I am elected in May, I will make sure the plans are scrutinised by councillors.”

The post St Budeaux: Kings Tamerton residents furious as construction works start at Pony Field without warning appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

We are still saddened by the loss of the existing trees on Armada Way, an act of environmental vandalism conducted under the previous Conservative administration. An act so atrocious it gained widespread coverage in the media, sending images of Plymouth’s desolated city centre across the globe, damaging our cities reputation and resident’s trust in the decision-making capabilities of this Council.

Plymouth Green Party welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Consultation on the amended Armada Way Design and recognises the substantial investment made in this tranche of consultation, as opposed to the ‘Meaningful Community Engagement’ undertaken earlier this year and prior to the felling of the trees. We also welcome the use of an external consultant, with significant experience in stakeholder mapping and weighting of representation from all members of the community. We hope that the feedback gathered will be carefully considered and implemented.

Plymouth Green Party councillors have always argued the case to save more of the existing trees and the mature canopy it provided. The trees provided decades of ecological investment, which were destroyed with little or no regard for their intrinsic value, their benefits to nature and the wellbeing of city centre residents.

We have also been very supportive of investing in the upgrade of our city centre, which will see diversification of land use towards residential usage in the coming years. This reflects the current downward trend of high-streets up and down the UK and will make our city centre ‘residential ready’ for future development, readying the infrastructure and amenity to attract investment. This needs to be a careful balance of providing investment, but not subsidising developers’ contributions to provide essential infrastructure upgrades such as improvements to utilities, services and amenities, such as play parks.

Therefore, it is important that any investment, now or in the future, is reflective of the current and future needs of our city. This also includes transforming a city that can adapt to climate change  and cope with extreme weather events such as extended periods of warm weather or periods of excessive rainfall. In short, the city centre  needs to work with nature, instead of against it, and ultimately provide an environment conducive to healthy urban living to benefit the wellbeing of its inhabitants.  

Several aspects of this project remain unknown. The drive to regenerate the city centre, the residential urban and cultural setting is largely in the hands of developers, and as with any redevelopment it is beholden to changes in the national and global economy, therefore a plan should offer a degree of flexibility to reflect changes outside of the Council’s control. As we have seen with other projects in Plymouth, such as the Royal William Yard, and the Civic Centre, change can take over a decade.

We appreciate the financial situation that many councils find themselves in, the need to attract investment and income generation through land and property transactions can be very appealing, especially as Plymouth is competing with other city centres for developer investment. The Council therefore needs to carefully consider the important role that nature plays in making the city centre climate resilient and habitable, therefore consultation with developers pertaining ecology and climate resilience as their core ethos should be considered in the early stages of any pre-development planning and investment by the council. In fact, climate impact and resilience is becoming a bigger concern for home buyers. This in turn should help shape the design of the Armada Way.

At the beginning of the consultation period, Cllr Lauren McLay and Cllr Ian Poyser met with the Council’s independent consultation team where they expressed the following points for consideration by the Council:

The consultation process

• We raised the point of accessibility of the consultation process, pressing for a need to ensure those facing digital exclusion can still access the process.
• Provision of information and timely responses to questions from groups who request information will be critical to building confidence in the process.
• We have always strongly supported the need for the Council to consider the views of campaign groups such as Plymouth Cycling Campaign, Plymouth Tree People, STRAW  and other relevant organisations in the city, particularly those concerned with accessibility and inclusion. The timely provision of information creates a culture of transparency and trust between Council and Community.

Carbon impact

Given the Council has committed to addressing the climate and ecological emergency through a public declaration and a follow up Action Plan, this project should be underpinned by a carbon impact report taking into account the procurement of material, works, waste, carbon sequestration against the baseline of the original Armada Way and its trees, before they were felled. This report should help guide the Council’s decision making and iterate the final design. We call on the administration to deliver this report alongside the revised plans at the extra meeting of the Growth and Infrastructure Scrutiny Committee.

Trees, shrubs and vegetation

We recognise that the provision of trees in urban settings can be challenging, particularly in the  longer term where land use is expected to change from retail and commercial to residential. Balancing the needs of future development and the benefits of nature needs to be strongly considered.

• The provision of tree canopy is just as important as the number of trees being retained or replanted. The canopy cover provided by the original Armada Way trees, measured in SqM needs to be restored, as a minimum. This should be a prime objective of the new proposals. Canopy cover provides significant shading, cooling and wind speed reduction, plus opportunities to attract a wider variety of birds into the city centre.
• Therefore,
  • the selection of native tree species capable of restoring the original canopy cover needs to be considered.
  • the long term management and maintenance needs to be considered, well beyond the current proposed two years.The needs to be a commitment to a minimum 25-30 year management plan for trees. This could be underpinned by a bond to ensure finance is always available to ensure proper maintenance and replacement of trees.
  • the carbon impact of sourcing trees also needs to be considered. Importing mature trees from outside the UK will have a higher carbon impact and therefore reduce their ability to offset other carbon emissions related to the project.
  • The provision of decorative lighting in trees will disrupt and  deter wildlife
• Translocating trees wasn’t a viable option as part of the January consultation, why does this now form part of the proposal? If the Council cannot clearly demonstrate to the public why the six trees need to be translocated, an alternative design solution must be found. A number of mature trees have remained part of the redesign of Old Town Street.
• Maximising the provision of green spaces, promoting community engagement events & activity – bird boxes, bee hotels, wildflower planting and community gardens where enthusiastic residents can take some ownership of the space.
• Meet and consult further with tree campaign groups to discuss any alternative proposals, 
  so that groups can be confident their views have been taken into account
•  

Outdoor Play and Recreation Areas

• We should also be looking to enable adults to get outside and exercise in nature. The Council may like to consider the provision of outdoor gym equipment in these plans, particularly if the centre will accommodate more residents in the future.
• We welcome the provision for some child play areas in the design. The council should consider aligning the introduction and expansion of play areas as the city centre diversifies in the coming years, this is to ensure that developers will contribute to the cost of local amenity, such as play parks and outdoor gym equipment via S106. These costs should not fall entirely on the public purse. Until then, these spaces should be given over to managed green space.
• Consider the inclusion of public water fountains. This will reduce single-use plastic, promote healthier habits, knowing that summers will be hotter, and the area less shaded. It will help increase climate resilience and could help people prevent dehydration and heat stroke.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme

We recognise the important role that SUD schemes can play in reducing the risk of flooding, taking the pressure off local Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) managed by South West Water and reducing the risk of untreated sewage being released when the operational capacity of the system for storage and treatment has been exceeded, usually following period of heavy rainfall. While we welcome investment to alleviate the discharge of pathogens into the sound to improve water quality, any proposal underpinning the SUDS should:

• Not negate the need for the future investment in  WWTW operational capacity by SWW, which will need to accommodate any future change of use to residential in the city centre.
• Be supported by an environmental report that supports how overall water quality in the Sound will be improved by the SUDS, it should include a range of quality indicators, not just pathogens.
• Be supported by a long term maintenance commitment from the Council to ensure all aspects of the scheme remain operational for the full depreciation of the scheme.
• Ensure that reed bed systems are well maintained, they remain effective and do not harbour mosquitoes, particularly when the city centre climate becomes warmer.

Cycling 

We recognise the importance of making our city centre more accessible for pedestrians, that includes making it easier to walk, cycle or travel by other means. Therefore we consider the council should consider the following:

• Ensure Beryl bikes racks are located at either end of Armada way, close to the bus stops at Mayflower Street and Royal Parade to encourage onward sustainable transport
• Meet and consult further with cycling campaign groups to discuss any alternative proposals, so that groups have felt fully engaged. 

Public safety

The Armada Way redesign and the future of the city centre needs to be inclusive, safe and sustainable. A destination and a neighbourhood fit for purpose now and in the future. 

There is expected to be significant change to the function of the centre over the coming decades, therefore, the design needs to offer flexibility to accommodate these changes, but above all, the plan needs to consider sustainable principles at its heart. While the new Council administration has been handed more or less a blank canvas, it does not need to completely cover it in paint immediately. The design needs to strike a balance between remaining purposeful and attractive to visitors, with a heavy weighting towards climate resilience, as a priority. There are ways this balance could be achieved without the need for escalating costs.

We look forward to the Council publishing an open and transparent response to the consultation period, taking on board the views of the public, businesses, community and campaign groups. 

We are pleased that the revised and final design, alongside a full carbon impact report, will be presented to the Growth and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny committee for review and debate prior to cabinet approval to proceed.

The post Green Party response to Armada Way Design consultation appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

Plymouth Greens unreservedly condemn the horrendous Hamas attacks of 7 October and the taking of hostages and we call for those hostages to be released unconditionally. However, these criminal acts by Hamas cannot justify the disproportionate military actions by the Israel Defence Forces which breach the laws of war. It is estimated that over 700 civilians are being killed every day; one child every ten minutes (according to Save The Children). There is mass civilian suffering and humanitarian aid is not able to get through. This is unacceptable and must end.

The only way to protect civilians is for the fighting to stop. We urge all councillors at Plymouth City Council to join the growing international chorus for a ceasefire. Criticising how Israel has conducted its military campaign does not go far enough. The denial of food, fuel and water to the civilian population clearly amounts to collective punishment. The removal of around one million people from northern Gaza is forcible displacement. 

Once a ceasefire is called, we can move towards an internationally arbitrated once-and-for-all settlement that fully ends the occupation of Palestinian territories (including East Jerusalem), in accordance with the requirements of international law, in particular UN resolutions 242 and 338. 

It is time for our Government and the Leader of the Opposition to do the right thing, for the sake of the innocent men, women and children of Gaza, who are being killed in their thousands.

The post Plymouth Green Party back ceasefire in Gaza appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.

Work on the Square in St Budeaux, an important public transport hub, is expected to begin before the end of the year. The Labour cabinet member for Transport made this promise in response to a public question by St Budeaux community champion, George Wheeler. Work was previously expected to start in August 2022 – the reason why residents have had no bus shelters on the Square since June last year.

George asked Plymouth City Council that the unused shelter at the top of Pemros Road is temporarily relocated to provide some respite for passengers at the Square:

The following question was received from Alderman George Wheeler and answered by Councillor Mark Coker (Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport):

Question: Thanks for your reply to my previous question indicating that the St Budeaux bus shelters would not be replaced imminently. Could the unused bus shelter at the top of Pemros Road, owned by Tamar Crossings, be re-sited to the square to help passengers over the coming winter?

Response: “Thank you Alderman Wheeler for your question.

It has been estimated that the suggested relocation would cost the council approximately £12,000 and would take between 10-14 weeks to relocate the shelter to allow for necessary conditions, utility ground and ground checks, as well as a possible need for a temporary traffic regulation order for which there is no budget provision. The transforming cities funds in St Budeaux Square is scheduled to start in quarter three of 2023/24, which would be before any temporary relocation could be undertaken. The relocation would also delay the commencement of this scheme, leading to further abortive costs. The relocation of the shelter from Penrose Road to St Budeaux Square is, therefore, not practical or good value for money and would therefore not be taken forward. Instead, the city council will focus on delivering the transforming cities funds scheme for this area which includes the provision of two brand-new clear channel shelters.”

George says: “This is an extraordinary reply. As the location was the site of a bus shelter until it was removed 13 months ago and will be a bus shelter again when the major scheme has been carried out, it seems odd that new checks are needed.”

He added: “I will hold the Council to their promise that work on the Square does go ahead as planned. It would be unacceptable to have another winter without the shelters.”

The post St Budeaux Green candidate George Wheeler presses council to provide temporary bus shelter appeared first on Plymouth Green Party.