A CHESTER eco campaigner is celebrating after plans to transform an unsightly city roundabout into a thriving natural space were given the green light.

Steve Hughes, 26, has been behind the Chester SuperTrees project, which is looking to revitalise the neglected, overgrown Hoole Way Roundabout next to Mecca Bingo.

The centrepiece of the urban biodiversity project will be three Supertree sculptures, each about five to seven metres tall, inspired by the towering attractions seen in Singapore.

Each of the Supertrees will have solar panels within them, which will power lights embedded within the tree, while the surrounding area will be given a much-needed makeover.

Now the plans have been given the go-ahead by Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning department.

Council leader Samantha Dixon, representing the City ward on the authority, wrote in favour of the planning application.

She said: "I write to support this application. 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.

"The Chester Locality Team in particular have made sure that the proposals reflect the aspirations of the people who live near the roundabout.

"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."

Steve said: "It's fantastic to have that news come through – it was pretty much the final hurdle.

"It was really good to read what Cllr Sam Dixon said, to recognise the community effort.

"It has been a bit of a long road to get to the start line. The work put in by the Chester Good For Nothing (GFN) group back in 2016 in support of this cannot be undervalued.

"It's a big difference now – what it could have been, to what it has now become. Before, it was going to be one tree in the middle which would have cost £7,000 but it has grown and grown into a thriving eco hub with community engagement.

"We start construction in January and the current completion date is end of April, early May."

For more information on Chester SuperTrees, and to find out how to show support, visit chestersupertrees.org.