REGENERATION plans for The Strand, Dawlish, are unlikely to include echelon parking after recommendations from a tree expert that any work would have a detrimental effect.

The arboricultural survey of trees on The Lawn concluded most were in good health with a life expectancy of between 20 and 60 years.

But expert Robert Bendyshe advised that any underground work beneath the tree canopy would result in premature death of the trees.

Plans for The Strand included the possibility of introducing echelon parking and extending the road into The Lawn. This proposal led to the commissioning of an independent survey of the health of the trees which showed the nine trees on The Strand side of The Lawn are in good health.

In his report, Mr Bendyshe said: 'I have given careful consideration to the drawings of proposed works adjacent to The Lawn. My conclusion is that any underground works undertaken beneath the tree canopy will result in the early demise of these trees.'

His recommendations include that roadway and parking structures do not intrude on The Lawn below the existing tree canopy and that the option for echelon parking is not pursued.

He has also advised treatment to protect the trees, including soil aeration under the canopy of each tree.

l First published in the Dawlish Gazette, September 21.