Council to decide on tree removal

Gosford Council will tonight (Tuesday) decide what is to happen about the proposed development at 81 Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy, which was recently deferred.

The project was deferred to decide whether some large trees on the site could be retained.

The developer has responded to the council's request for more information stating: "We would like to respond to the suggestion that Unit 7 be deleted to enable the retention of five existing major trees.

"Whilst 10 units were possible on this site, we made a commitment to reduce our application to nine (units) for two reasons; in the first instance to protect the trees and secondly to provide an amenity for the occupants.

"As the deletion of this one unit is already a major financial contribution, the loss of a further unit would make the project unviable.

"In turning to the issue of the trees, we would like to propose the removal of the three large trees along the northern boundary as they are large and thus a hazard to the future buildings and to a lesser degree on the basis that two of them are pinus radiata and one is a camphor laurel, which are introduced species.

"We would also like to remove the two angophoras based on their fragility, inability to cope with any constructional disturbance and propensity to drop limbs without warning.

"Could you please note that your Tree Preservation Officer unreservedly supported the removal of these trees.

"We would like to preserve the two Norfolk Island Pines by careful protection and by the installation of root barriers."

Council officers have recommended that council make a decision on the matter and that, if council wishes to approve the development, a condition was needed stating that Two Norfolk Island pines should be retained.

Council Agenda DH.036, May 6