Three ‘supertrees’ have been given the green light within a community garden in Chester city centre.
Eco-hero Steve Hughes, 27, has driven the £200,000 project with backing from like-minded volunteers, Cheshire West and Chester Council, city MP Chris Matheson and Chester Zoo .
The idea, which emulates the supertrees of Singapore on a smaller scale, should be ready by spring.
Known as Hoole Way Sunken Garden, the council says the location is a daily cut-through for 500 people but is ‘not a pleasant place to dwell’.
The three 7.5m high metal tree sculptures, together with landscaping features and planting beds, aim to lift the tone of the whole area.
Seasonal varieties of climbers will grow inside each supertree, with foliage and flowers visible at the crown of each structure. The design, featuring the Cheshire County wheatsheaf emblem, will incorporate solar-powered lighting.
Made from mild steel, the supertrees are designed to deter people from clambering up them.
Council leader and ward member Cllr Samantha Dixon, writing in support of the authority's own planning application, said: “There has been extensive consultation with local residents on the proposed scheme and it has been a long held ambition to improve this area which currently feels unloved and unwelcome.”
She added: “I would also applaud the many volunteers and organisations who have highlighted the positive potential this scheme will have and worked hard to bring this project into reality.”
Environmentalist Steve Hughes and fellow members of ForEST – For Eco Supertrees – have raised more than £10,000 towards the scheme with large grants from WREN, New Homes Bonus and others in the pipeline. Work could begin as early as January, according to a council document.
Steve, from Liverpool Road, previously ran seven marathons in seven days and in another fund-raising challenge ran 62 miles – two-and-a-half marathons – in less than 10 hours on a treadmill in the centre of the roundabout.
Planning officer Karl Spilsbury granted approval saying there would be no adverse impact on the conservation area as only the top of the sculptures will be seen from street level.
Regarding the health and well-being of the neighbourhood, the proposed development was considered to encourage use of the site ‘through the promotion of safe and accessible environments’.
