Politician who ordered chopping down of 110 trees lives in upmarket tree-lined ... trends now
The Plymouth politician who ordered 110 trees to be chopped down in the middle of the night lives in one of the city's most upmarket tree-lined streets.
The council had paused the plans due to objections from residents to a £12.7million redevelopment scheme but on Tuesday, Tory leader Richard Bingley signed an executive order to fell the trees.
Hours later contractors moved in and installed fences around the area while security and police with dogs patrolled outside.
Locals chanted and protested but the action was only stopped at 1am when a group secured a court injunction. However, by that point 110 established trees had been felled on Armada Way.
MailOnline can now reveal that Councillor Bingley owns a five-bed terraced house in the city on a quiet tree-lined street unaffected by the works.
Plymouth councillor Richard Bingley ordered 110 trees to be chopped down in the middle of the night
MailOnline can reveal Councillor Bingley owns a five-bed terraced house in the city located on a quiet tree-lined street unaffected by the works
The decision to chop the trees has been heavily criticised by local politicians
Despite being close to the city centre and railway station, the imposing double-fronted terraced home – bought last year for £450,000 – also has a park at the end of the road.
There was no answer at the home today but Danny Laine, 26, who also lives on the street said: 'I think it's shocking what's happened in Armada Way. Part of Plymouth's unique character is the connection with nature.
'I haven't lived here long but I love it, it is gorgeous around here and we are very nature focussed in this house.
'If somebody told us they wanted to chop down all the trees on the street or pave over the park we would fight against it and I am sure he would too.
'It just seems counterintuitive that while so many cities are struggling to add more green, Plymouth is taking it away.
'I don't get how anybody wins in this situation.'
Another neighbour – who asked not to be named – said: 'The houses are very large and we're near the city centre and university so quite a few have been converted into offices or flats but the ones with the original layout are very sought-after as family homes.
'It's a lovely community to live in and sandwiched between a park and a grammar school means it's perfect for families. You really wouldn't know you were in the centre of a major city.'
The decision to chop the trees has been
