Responsibility for greening

I refer to the letter of January 27 by Mel Fleming re the building of two-storey townhouses in Woy Woy.

This problem is Peninsula-wide and is increasing.

The single block of land next to where I live in Ettalong is proposed to be re-developed to have four villas built on it, three of which are to be two storey.

Two of the two storey villas will have balconies in lieu of gardens and will deprive the neighbours on both sides of privacy, sunlight and sky space.

There is apparently no way that this development will not be approved by Gosford Council as it complies with the regulations.

There has been the loss of many mature trees in this area recently, destroying the habitat of birds and depriving residents of shade and sky scape, with no apparent plans for more trees to be planted.

Council must ensure that all trees that have been destroyed must be replaced and that street planting is encouraged.

It is the responsibility of us all, residents, developers and Council, to ensure the greening of this area is to be improved, and only buildings suitable for single sites be approved by Council to maintain the environment which we would expect in this beautiful area.

Monica Bray, Ettalong Beach