CIVIC chiefs will now press on with the latest Silver Hill plans – despite backlash at a recent meeting.

Last week Cabinet signed off the proposals, meaning work in the city centre can begin, starting with Kings Walk.

But at the meeting members heard from former city councillor Kim Gottlieb, who shared his concerns over the scheme.

READ WHAT HE HAD TO SAY BY CLICKING HERE

Today, Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for housing and asset management, said: "The proposals for this crucial city centre site will bring so much to the lives of local people – creating new places to live, work, enjoy and boosting the existing High Street.

"The decisions made at our Cabinet meeting mark an important step forward in making the vision for the site a reality, and delivering what people have told us they want to see here. There is work still to be done, but we are now a significant step closer to achieving this.

"We are so looking forward to getting started on some of the most exciting elements of bringing this site back to life, starting with Kings Walk and a fantastic new interim public space on the site of the old Friarsgate Medical Centre.”

Extinction Rebellion also criticised the plans for city centre buses.

READ THE EXTINCTION REBELLION STORY HERE

The plans have been made following feedback received from the public on the proposals, which include creating a vibrant mixed-use development with high quality new homes, flexible workspaces, a thriving night-time economy and beautiful public spaces.

Consultation ran from November 11 2020 to January 12 2021, with over 2,500 people visiting the virtual exhibition, over 100 attending an online consultation session and over 300 people completing a feedback questionnaire.