AN ENVIRONMENTAL charity which is planning to develop parts of a city beauty spot has said it is keen to find solutions to current concerns.

The National Trust has announced it is setting up an advisory group to help reflect the views of interested parties involved in its ambitious proposals. Despite widespread criticism from residents living close to Plymbridge Woods, the trust last year pushed ahead with plans for a 10km bike track and café and cycle hire centre. However in October last year the trust withdrew its proposals after encountering a 'legal issue' with the location of the café in the woods. Ever since then the trust has said it remains "committed" to re-submitting the planning application which it plans to do on May 31 this year.

In the meantime The National Trust will be engaging with residents and woodland users to develop revised proposals for cycling trails and hub facilities.

"To help do this an advisory group will be established reflecting the various local interested parties such as residents, dog walkers, anglers, runners and cyclists," a trust spokesman said.

"This group will help shape the revised proposals before the planning application is submitted."

The spokesman said an independent advisor will be appointed to form the group.

"The National Trust is committed to the delivery of the project and the time-scale now required for consideration of a new location for the café also allows further consideration of the wider cycle trail plans – this will ensure the best possible fit for everyone who enjoys and cares for the site," the spokesman added.

"The advisory group will be fully involved with the review of the existing plans and will help find solutions to current concerns.

"It is anticipated that the group will be engaged throughout the review and delivery stages of the project but will also play a role once the hub is operational. The trust will also run a six-week consultation period before submitting the revised planning application.

"An independent advisor is helping with the identification of members and establishment of the advisory group to ensure that all interests are reflected."

Arthur Ainslie, chairman of The Friends of Plymbridge Woods group, said: "We welcome the opportunity to engage with the National Trust to find a solution which best suits this historic site and the many different users. We would be very willing to join any advisory group and await an invitation.

"In the meantime it would be very helpful if the public could have some idea of what options the National Trust are looking at for their café/hub and the mountain bike or cycle trails."

Details of future meetings will be available from February 10 at www.facebook.com/nationaltrustplymvalley.

Information will also be contained in the next edition of the Plym Valley newsletter and at www.plym-peregrine.co.uk.