COUNCIL FINALISING PLANS FOR PUBLIC SPACES AFTER PUBLIC FEEDBACK

MORE trees, better accessibility and improved digital access all feature in the city's new 'nature plan'.

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM

Plymouth City Council is finalising its plan for nature in the city's public spaces following extensive feedback from the public.

Earlier this year, Plymouth City Council asked residents for their final thoughts on the Plan for Nature and People, which will act as a blueprint for how the council manages its natural spaces and aims.

It’s being drawn up to help ensure that every resident can benefit from connecting with the outdoors.

Before it is finalised later this year, the draft plan and consultation report will be debated tomorrow by the Council’s Natural Infrastructure and Growth Scrutiny Committee, on Wednesday, October 15.

“We've come a long way with this plan,” said Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change.

“From surveying families during last year’s summer events to holding focus groups with interested stakeholders, we knew the initial draft reflected the things people had told us.

“Now, having had this final consultation window, we're going to make the final tweaks to ensure this plan can provide a clear framework to support our health and wellbeing, boost our economy, and help tackle the linked climate and ecological emergencies.”

The results from the recent consultation showed that 76% of respondents supported the plan while 88% understood the aims of the plan.